Booksology The statutory functions of ILMS include federal funding to state libraries through several programs, including state grants, national leadership grants programs, and all current contracts, grants, and awards.
Everlibrary Institute – A non-profit charity dedicated to research, writing and similar activities related to libraries across the country – covering the functions that IMLS works Must do do (legal function) and do it May do (non-uniform). Services provided by IMLS include state grant programs, state planning requirements for library grants, Native American Library Services, National Leadership Grant Programs, IMLS Management, Policy Research, Data Collection, Dissemination, and certain grants and contracts. IMLS may include awards and medals, museum service activities, the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, the 21st Century Museum’s specialist programs, and other programs such as technical assistance for public-private partnerships in museums and libraries, and support for digital literacy and emerging technologies.
In other words, most money could be used to be used to develop a powerful, knowledgeable, cutting-edge workforce within modern institutions. This coincides with the long-standing battles that are currently underway in libraries throughout the country. This is a bill that targets the involvement of library workers in the American Library Association or the Association of State Library, or the Association of State Library or bills.
Congress will need to send federal funds to state libraries at least through grant programs, but the way the executive order was interpreted by Elon Musk and the Government Efficiency (DOGE) opens up a number of spaces where cuts could cause deep damage to publicly funded libraries across the country. Since the president took office in January, I have already seen this play in other government departments.
The American Library Association issued a statement following the news.
To reject the mission of an institution promoting opportunities and opportunities and learning of around 75 dedicated workers is to reject the aspirations and everyday needs of millions of Americans. And those who feel that loss live most violently in rural communities.
Certainly, all those who use the library with a certain ability will feel the pain of such a cut, but those who are most likely to have voted for this administration. Rural libraries float more than fellow suburban and urban libraries, and thus receive more support from the federal government.
IMLS is just a small portion of the federal government’s budget, with 0.0046% of the overall budget being $280 million. The department will have 7 days to report. In other words, immediately This Friday, March 21, 2025, Like public libraries (such as schools and academic libraries), public museums could see budgets being destroyed.
Several state library associations and library experts shared the impact of IML reductions on libraries and their users after the executive order was signed. The Michigan State Library Association noted that Michigan Electronic Libraries (MEL and MELCAT), a centralized catalogue and resource sharing service created to lend and share material between all kinds of libraries in Michigan, will no longer exist if this funding and agency is demolished and the database used by schools and academic libraries no longer exists. Iowans will lose access to automatic loans, STEMs, literacy programs, and sources of e-books and digital audiobooks. You can read through the IMLS grant recipient database to see where and how some of the department’s money was allocated.
Other institutions, especially public universities and universities, have not issued statements about the impact of the cuts, due to fear of speaking out under this administration.
It is important that library advocates are speaking out right now, whether you are engaged in pro library advocacy or not due to astronomical attacks of targeted attacks on these public institutions over the past few years.
Support your local library now by signing up for a library card, using collections and digital products, and volunteering. Don’t It affects such federal threats. Keep doing these things, but know that it is your responsibility as a representative democratic citizen and that it is your responsibility to speak up with federal-level legislators now. The stakes are very high and very realistic.
Here’s how you can now speak with IML and libraries support::
- Sign the petition on EveryLibrary to stop and share Trump’s executive order trying to destroy IMLS.
- Write a letter to each senator and your representative at the federal level. You can find your senator and your representative here. What you need to say in this letter is that you, a resident of their district, require them to speak up and defend the IML budget. Include a short statement about where and how to assess the library, and the importance of the community. This states, “I use the library to find reliable sources. Every time I’m there, public computers are used by a variety of community members who do everything from applying for work to writing school papers. Cutting down library funding further hurts people who lack a stable internet, those who can’t afford a home library and who want opportunities to engage in programming, learning, enrichment and entertainment in their own community. Public libraries help to strengthen reading and critical thinking skills for all ages.” With those lettersPlease note that the return on investment in libraries is astronomical. You can use EveryLibrary data.
- Call each Senator and Representative’s office in Congress. Yes, they’ll be busy. Yes, the voicemail will be full. I’ll keep making phone calls. Get your name in the record for IMLS cuts. Do this in addition to writing letters. If making a call causes anxiety, use tools such as 5 calls to create scripts that you can read when you reach a person or voicemail.
- Your state-level representatives have no power to influence what happens at IMLS, but this is your time to reach out to representatives of each of your states to highlight the importance of your state’s public libraries. In light of potential cuts from the federal government, you should note that we advocate for stronger laws protecting libraries and library workers, as well as stronger funding models for these institutions.
- Meet at the next public library meeting in person via a board meeting or via email or letter to tell the library how much it means to you. In an age where there is simply no written and undocumented information, there is nothing more important than naming your name on some words about the importance of public libraries. This doesn’t have to be a genius job. The library explains how you use their services and how much it means to you as a taxpayer.
- Tell anyone who knows what is in danger. If you haven’t spoken for public institutions in the past few years, it’s never too late to start now, despite the dangers and warnings that the buildings and construction is underway. EveryLibrary Introduction and Petitions are great resources to give to people who don’t know what’s going on or who want the most important information.
Note: IMLS funding cuts will also affect museums. For more information on the impact of IMLS on museums, read this press release from the American Museums Alliance. This includes letters from several templates and a script to reach out to the representative.
