IMLS Cuts Put America’s Public Libraries at Risk

April 10, 2025 — Public libraries are essential infrastructure in every American community, and that especially is so during times of economic uncertainty. The elimination of federal funding for public libraries will be felt in every community across the country, and particularly in rural areas. Public libraries provide people with job skills training, entrepreneurship support, homeschooling and education materials, and access to food services that are at risk without federal funding. As many people face job reductions and layoffs, there is an increased need for the services libraries provide to help people improve workforce skills.

In response to an Executive Order issued on March 14 to reduce the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Department of Government Efficiency has begun cutting existing grants, including funding to states in California, Connecticut, and Washington. These cuts are disruptive, especially to services provided in rural communities. Further, experts working for IMLS have received notices their positions are being eliminated; this further erodes effective support for America’s essential public libraries. IMLS funds have provided Braille books for the blind in Connecticut; an online, after-school tutoring program available to all students including GED preparation in Louisiana; upgraded internet speeds for library patrons in Whitefish, Montana; and supplied education kits for homeschool families in Choctaw County, Mississippi—projects driven locally, based on need.

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Public Library Association (a division of the American Library Association) and Urban Libraries Council urge the administration and Congress to rescind this recent round of cancellation of grants to state library agencies, libraries, and museums. IMLS must continue to honor appropriated and statutory programs and grants as Congress intended. All members of Congress must listen to their constituents and speak up for the value of public libraries and the essential services they provide in every state.

America’s public libraries call for Congress to stand up for the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Released March 19, 2025

As the organizations that collectively represent public libraries in the United States, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council oppose the Executive Order calling for the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which will have disastrous consequences for America’s public libraries and their patrons across the country. We call on members of Congress to affirm the value of these community pillars by pushing the White House to rescind this order.

From literacy to workforce training to homeschooling resources to veterans’ services, IMLS provides a backbone for public libraries to support each and every American in communities, small and large. Representing .003% of the federal budget, IMLS funding delivers a tremendous return on its investment in this nation's 17,000 public libraries through efficient administration by its staff and services.

As most funds are distributed through the “Grants to States” program, IMLS funding is closely tied to the needs of state and local libraries, making it a program with maximum efficiency and efficacy in all 50 states. For example, IMLS funds have upgraded internet speeds for library patrons in Whitefish, Montana; provided Braille books for the blind in Louisiana; and education kits for homeschool families in Choctaw County, Mississippi—projects driven locally, based on need.

Further, IMLS programs like the National Leadership grants power innovation that ensures libraries have resources to explore safe routes for children to their public library, expand new technology and AI adoption, and improve disaster preparedness.

IMLS must continue to operate as Congress intended, and all members of Congress must listen to their constituents and speak up for the value of public libraries and the essential services they provide.