For the fourth consecutive year, the White House’s annual budget request has proposed eliminating funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) – the federal agency charged with empowering libraries and museums to transform their communities. In response, Urban Libraries Council President & CEO Susan Benton has issued the following statement:

“Continuous learning is a requirement for success in the 21st century. Now more than ever, our communities need – and indeed our nation needs – educated citizens who have equitable and abundant access to knowledge resources. Libraries play an essential role in ensuring individuals from all backgrounds can reach their highest aspirations. The current administration is threatening to weaken our nation’s communities by eliminating IMLS and the fundamental support that it provides to libraries and museums. Our core democratic principles have no place on this chopping block. We urge members of Congress to prioritize education, digital inclusion and strong, healthy communities by rejecting the proposed budget cuts to IMLS.”