Section: Administration
Approved: 9/24/2009
Reviewed: 2/16/2023
Revised: 6/21/2012, 4/16/2015, 4/19/2018, 3/18/2021
Iowa Code
Iowa Code Section 692A.113 prohibits a sex offender who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor from being present upon public library real property without the written permission of the library director, or from loitering within 300 feet of the boundary of the real property of a public library.
- A “sex offender” is someone who is required under Chapter 692A to be on the Sex Offender Registry.
- "Sex offense against a minor" means an offense for which a conviction has been entered for a sex offense classified as a tier I, tier II, or tier III offense under Chapter 692 if such offense was committed against a minor, or otherwise involves a minor.
- “Loiter” means remaining in a place or circulating around a place under circumstances where a reasonable person would believe that the purpose or effect of the behavior is to enable a sex offender against a minor to become familiar with a location where a potential victim may be found, or to satisfy an unlawful sexual desire, or to locate, lure, or harass a potential victim.
In addition, the law prohibits a sex offender who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor from being employed by or from acting as a contractor or volunteer at any public library.
Exceptions
There are two exceptions to this law. A sex offender who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor may be present: 1) during the period of time reasonably necessary to transport the offender’s own minor child or ward to or from the library; and 2) during the period of time reasonably necessary to vote in a public election if the polling place is located in the library.
Other exceptions to this policy can occur only with written permission of the Library Director. The Library Director will determine eligibility to be on Library property and may consult with law enforcement, social service agencies, and/or other appropriate governmental officials. The Board of Trustees will not entertain any appeals of the Director’s determination.
Access to Materials
If a request for permission to be on Library property is denied, an offender may arrange for a third party to select, check-out and return materials to the Library on his or her behalf. The Library may issue a borrower’s card in the offender’s name to be used by the third party.
Enforcement
The responsibility for compliance with this law rests with the offender. However, if Library staff has knowledge or receives information, that a person who has been convicted of a sex offense against a minor is on library premises, the Ames Police Department will be contacted.
Volunteers and applicants for employment will be screened as appropriate for compliance with the law.