Iowa Society

Daughters of the American Revolution

DAR Library Outreach

The primary goal of the DAR Library Outreach Committee is to promote and support not only our renowned DAR library in Washington, D.C. but also those libraries within our state and local communities. Additionally, we seek to serve as a resource in all local libraries in public, private, and Montessori schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities near us.

There are a lot of ideas for your Chapter Library Outreach representative to explore, the first of which would be to reach out and make introductions to local library staff. Explain who you are, what you do, and ask how you might be of assistance. Here are some ideas for your chapter to consider.

1. Many libraries feature 3-D displays and exhibits that represent examples of historic preservation, patriotism, and education. Ask if you can help develop and set up interesting and educational displays to celebrate Constitution Week, Independence Day, Memorial Day, President’s Day, Thanksgiving, or the 250 th commemoration of the US Army in 2025, and thinking ahead, the 250 th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
2. Volunteer in your local libraries. Ask the librarian how you or your chapter members can be of service in conducting story hours, tutoring students with homework, and helping to shelve books.
3. Donate new or “gently used” books that supplement the existing collection of items in your libraries, particularly those titles that the librarian wants to add to their research or circulating selections. A few years ago, many chapters donated a book titled My Name is Dixie, Designer of the Iowa Flag by T.E. Waldmann- Williams. If your library doesn’t have a copy, consider giving one now.
4. Considering the diversity of your community, think about the countries where the patrons are from. Be a volunteer to teach or assist with citizenship classes, educating about the US Constitution, and preparing people to become U.S. citizens.
5. In addition, donate books for children or adults enrolled in ESL (English as a second language) classes. If you are multi-lingual, you might join a small group of individuals in your community who can help integrate immigrants or migrants into the community.
6. Ask if you can post DAR flyers and brochures announcing workshops for women who wish to learn more about DAR and membership. Or provide DAR bookmarks at the desk where people check out.
7. Sponsor a “Library Lunch Bunch” where you serve a light lunch, share book titles of interest, and do a craft. Be sure to ask if the library allows food in a meeting room.
8. Sponsor a local DAR Book Club using the new ISDAR Book Club selected readings. For example, Rick Atkinson’s book The British Are Coming, the War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777, is the ISDAR book selection that some of us are reading now. Don’t let the size of the book scare you away. Of the 776 pages, 212 of those pages are footnotes, bibliographies, and the index.
9. Offer to give the library a subscription to the DAR American Spirit Magazine or give a gift subscription to local genealogical or historical societies that may appreciate the gesture.
10. If you know of local authors or subject-matter experts and guest speakers, be sure to offer them the opportunity to give a program at your chapter meetings.
11. Consider honoring a deceased DAR chapter member by making a chapter monetary donation to the library in her memory.
12. Donate books, puzzles, new or gently used magazines, and word search books to local VA Centers and nursing homes.

And finally, be sure to take pictures of your activities and events for use in your quarterly ISDAR chapter newsletter updates.

In addition, remember that Library Outreach is a "Good Will Committee" to spread the love of literacy through DAR and let the community know we are available to help all libraries.

Thank you for your Outreach participation!

Joy Bahnemann