FOIA STATEMENTS

From the Open Records Code §22.1 et seq., Hawkins Memorial Library permits access to and copying of public records in accordance with the Iowa Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), balanced by the limited exceptions recognized in the Act to safeguard individual privacy and the efficient operation of the Library and by the purpose of the Act not to further commercial enterprise. Many records, including minutes, ordinances, and financial reports are available through links on the Library's website at www.lpcpubliclibrary.org and through links on the City of La Porte City's website at www.lpcia.com.

Specific exemptions include the following

• Personal information on accepted students, current students, and past students

• Medical records

• Trade Secrets

• Records of attorneys who represent the state

• Reports that result in unfair competition

• Appraisal information for public land purchases

• Criminal files

• Military confidential records

• Personal information in records of employees and elected officials of public agencies

• Library records

• Information on the donors of charitable contributions

• Corrections department information that would jeopardize security.

• Communications made to the government but not required by statute

• Examinations

• Archaeological and historical ecologically sensitive material locations and information

• Marketing and advertising budgets and strategies for non-profits

• Information maintained by mediators employed to solve the disputes with government agencies

Anyone can request public records, and the law does not require a statement of purpose for record requests. There are no restrictions for use of the records in the law, but individuals must allow 10–20 days for a record request response to be completed.

Click here to view a sample FOIA Request letter

Any individual may request information and records available to the public in the following manner:

• Submit a written request which includes the following information: name, address, the date, and a daytime phone number

• The description of the information sought should include sufficient detail, so the Library can find the requested records

• Providing as much information as possible will expedite the search process

• Requests may be submitted by mail, personal delivery, or email

Please specify whether the records requested are to be inspected at our office or to be copied. If you desire that any records be certified, please specify which ones. If inspected, the Library Director must be present throughout the inspection. Records will be made available for inspection by appointment at the address listed above Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

The office will respond to a written request within five business days upon receipt of the request. An extension of an additional five business days, as allowed by statute, may be necessary to properly respond. If such an extension is necessary, the Library will notify the requestor in writing of the statutory reasons for the extension and when the requested information will be produced.

A "business day" is a regular day of the week (Monday through Friday). Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays are not business days and cannot be counted in the five days time period.

If a request is denied, the requestor will be informed in writing. The denial letter must be in writing and reference a specific legal reason under FOIA to justify the non-disclosure. The denial must also inform the requestor of the right to seek review of the issue by the Attorney General's Public Access Counselor, as well as the right to seek judicial review by filing a court case.

Fees for the actual cost of reproducing the requested records will be charged as follows:

• For traditional black and white, letter-sized copies, the first 50 pages are free

• Additional pages are 10 cents per side

Requests should be directed to the FOIA officer:

• Jake Rochford-Volk, Library Director (director@lpcpubliclibrary.org)

• Hawkins Memorial Library, 308 Main Street, La Porte City, IA 50651