Iowa Society

Daughters of the American Revolution

State Librarian

The ISDAR bylaws give the following duties to the State Librarian:

1. She shall facilitate the giving of books by the chapters.
2. She shall collect books and papers which may be of genealogical and historical value for placement in the National Society Daughter of the American Revolution Library or other historical depository deeded suitable.
3. She shall coordinate the Iowa Society book club.
4. She shall maintain a list of Iowa daughters who are willing to provide programs to other chapters.
   
   

Here is how I hope to accomplish these goals.

Since the beginning of the Steinke Administration, ISDAR has had a book club. Three book club meetings are held each year : one at Fall Forum, one at State Conference and one virtual meeting. The following books have been read:

• Eliza Hamilton by Tilar J. Mazzeo
• The British Are Coming by Rick Atkinson
• Books on Lafayette celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour:
  • Marquis de Lafayette Returns by Elizabeth Reese;
  • General and Madam De LaFayette by Jason Lane;
  • Lafayette! (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales Series #8): A Revolutionary War Tale
  • The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray.
• The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson

Announcements of book club meetings will be posted on the ISDAR Facebook page, in the ISDAR Newsletter when possible, and an email will be sent to all chapter regents to be distributed to their chapter members.

For those of you who love to read about our founding mothers and fathers and the Revolutionary War here are some sources for suggestions:

• DAR Library Book Club
  Includes reading lists and videos of previous book club discussions DAR Library Book Club Reading Lists Note that NSDAR discontinued their book club in 2025.
  
  
• Read the Revolution
  A curated collection of thought-provoking books about the American Revolution compiled by the Museum of the American Revolution. Read the Revolution
  
  
• Journal of the American Revolution
  A free online journal that publishes new research articles based on primary resources about the American Revolution and the Founding era. Journal of the American Revolution
  

There are three ways to donate to the DAR Library.

First, your chapter can buy a book to give to the DAR Library. The Library publishes a wish list of books they would like every Monday afternoon. Consider adding a standing rule in your chapter to buy a book every year!  Look at the DAR Library Wish List for more information.

Second, you can donate a family history, local history, or other genealogy or history book to the DAR Library if they do not already own it. DAR no longer accepts physical books when a freely accessible online copy is available. See further guidelines and an online donation form here: Online Book Donation Form

If you prefer to mail in a donation form it can be found here: The Most Current Donation Form

If you need help determining if the DAR Library already owns a book, please reach out to me. I can help!

Third, you can make a monetary donation to the DAR Library. Go to the President General’s Donations and Contributions Form, https://www.dar.org/system/files/members/darnet/forms/DEV-1003.pdf. Under “Historic Preservation,” check “Friends of the Library”. You do not need to make a $200 contribution. The $200 minimum is if you as an individual want to purchase a Friends of the Library pin.

The State Librarian maintains a list of Iowa daughters who are willing to present programs at other chapters. Presentations can be either in person or virtual.

Carolyn DeLay has provided a list of presentations which she is able to do via Zoom or in person.

Help me add others to this list. Have you or a member of your chapter given an interesting presentation? Send me the contact information, and I will get in touch with you.

Gail Bonath