The State Library is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Iowa Area Education Agencies (AEAs) van delivery service to facilitate IA Shares delivery for public libraries beginning Monday, Aug. 4, 2025.
The AEA’s established network serves every corner of Iowa through the school system and is a natural and efficient partner for IA Shares. The new partnership keeps money in Iowa, reduces costs for the State Library, and maximizes the return on public investment. With nine hubs across the state and high-capacity cargo vans, the AEAs are well-equipped to meet the demands of IA Shares delivery.
“I truly believe this is a win-win opportunity for the State Library, Iowa AEAs, and public libraries,” said Brenda Hall, Interim State Librarian. “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get plans put into place, and it’s exciting to see all of this work come to fruition.”
As previously announced in a May 15 email to library directors, IA Shares will be moving to one day per week service which will also occur starting the week of August 4. The State Library continues to look for effective and efficient weekly service models to avoid bottlenecks and keep materials moving.
As part of the transition, there will be a required downtime to allow for the clearing of items from the previous delivery vendor’s hubs. From Wednesday, July 23 through Friday, Aug.1, no materials will be picked up at public libraries; however, drivers will continue to deliver items already in transit. This pause will ensure all materials are properly routed and that the hubs are cleared in preparation for the AEA van delivery service to begin August 4.
Public library directors will receive more information via email the week of July 21with their library’s delivery day and time, route information, options for off-hours delivery, and more.
The State Library has prepared a list of FAQs for libraries to review and provide more understanding on the changes: IA Shares Transition FAQs
1112 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50319