IMLS Cuts Put America’s Public Libraries at Risk

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.

Issued April 2025 by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), the Public Library Association (PLA), and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC)