Federal Order Targets Library Support: IMLS Faces Closure Amid Budget Cuts
In a significant policy shift, a new executive order issued Friday mandates the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the sole federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries across the United States. The agency, which employs 75 workers and administers grants to libraries nationwide, is now facing major cuts as part of a broader governmental restructuring effort.
The order states: “The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.”
IMLS Budget and Impact on Libraries
IMLS had requested $255 million in grant funding for fiscal year 2025, alongside an administrative budget of $24.5 million to support its operations. These grants provide critical funding for libraries that offer essential services, from literacy programs to digital access for underserved communities.
The American Library Association (ALA) has strongly condemned the executive order, urging the President and Congress to reconsider the move. In a public statement, the ALA emphasized the vital role of libraries in American society, calling on citizens to advocate for federal support.
“We encourage U.S. Congress members, Senators, and decision-makers at every level to visit the libraries that serve their constituents and urge the White House to spare the modest federal funding for America’s libraries. And we call on all Americans who value reading, learning, and enrichment to reach out to their elected leaders and ‘Show Up For Our Libraries’ at meetings, town halls, and other forums where funding decisions are made.”
The ALA also highlighted the many critical services that public libraries provide, including:
📚 Early literacy and grade-level reading programs
📖 Summer reading initiatives for children
💻 High-speed internet access for communities
🔍 Employment assistance for job seekers
A Broader Trend in Arts and Education Cuts?
The executive order is part of a growing trend of federal restructuring that has sent shockwaves through the arts and literary sectors. Similar moves have impacted the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). In January, an executive order created uncertainty in NEA grant allocations, and last week, NEH Chair Shelly C. Lowe resigned “at the direction of President Trump.”
With funding for libraries, museums, and the arts now in jeopardy, the question remains: Will lawmakers intervene, or is this the beginning of a new era of reduced federal support for cultural institutions?
📢 What can you do? If you believe in the power of libraries, reach out to your local representatives and advocate for continued federal funding. Every voice counts in shaping the future of public resources. #SaveOurLibraries #LibraryFunding #SupportTheArts