Photo credit: bookriot.com
No single article can fully capture the complexities surrounding schools, libraries, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), but here’s a brief overview of some significant—and indeed peculiar—developments. Unfortunately, all these events are genuine.
A Snapshot of IMLS Events
In recent weeks, the happenings at the IMLS have been so tumultuous that keeping track of them has become quite the challenge. Kelly Jensen has provided a thorough examination of the agency’s recent struggles, but the quick summary is that Keith Sonderling was named acting director in late March. Almost immediately, he was met with letters from senators as well as the National Museum and Library Services Board, urging him to adhere to his responsibilities as director.
On March 31st, all staff members of IMLS were placed on administrative leave and barred from the premises for 90 days, leading the Board to send Sonderling another letter that expressed confusion about the situation.
Just days later, reports emerged that libraries began receiving notices of grant terminations from IMLS. EveryLibrary issued a statement criticizing these terminations as a direct assault on libraries, museums, and archives countrywide. On April 3, an open letter advocating for libraries and continued funding for IMLS was penned by four major publishers plus Sourcebooks. Following this, on April 4, attorneys general from 20 states filed a lawsuit to challenge the elimination of IMLS funding. By April 7, more legal action was taken by the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, who also filed suit against what they termed the “gutting” of IMLS. As of now, this provides a snapshot of the ongoing situation.
Library Access Issues at the Border
The recent decision to block Canadian visitors from accessing the Haskell Free Library and Opera House—a facility situated on the border between Stanstead, Quebec, and Derby Line, Vermont—has raised eyebrows. U.S. officials claimed this action was necessary to prevent drug trafficking, although they provided no evidence to substantiate this assertion. Canadian patrons must now go through an official border crossing to visit the library, a situation that feels satirical but is indeed reality.Read more here.
Additional Library Developments
In Ohio, the state legislature is pushing a Republican budget plan that proposes a $100 million reduction in public library funding, imposes restrictions on LGBTQ+ books, and seeks to change trustee terms to enable state control over libraries. These proposals pose grave concerns for the future of library services in the state.
Meanwhile, the Alabama Public Library Service Board voted to cut funding for the Fairhope Public Library, citing violations related to “inappropriate” materials. In a remarkable display of community support, local advocates raised nearly $39,000 within four days to help sustain the library’s operations for the next 18 months, demonstrating the vital role the library plays in the community.
A federal ruling compelled the Elizabeth School District in Colorado to restore 19 banned books to library shelves, which the district has responded to with defiance. They have openly rejected donations of the prohibited titles from a law firm offering to help.
Insights from the Editorial Desk:
This week, we turn the spotlight on some of the most compelling new poetry collections of 2025 thus far. These works span a wide array of themes, from personal reflections to poignant political statements, and many resonate with contemporary societal issues.
As we enter the second quarter of 2025, it’s fascinating to realize that the poetry collections published recently were likely finalized during the previous years’ political events. The emotional depth of these works is striking, often articulating visceral reactions to ongoing global changes. The variety and freshness of voices emerging in this realm are particularly noteworthy. Let’s take a closer look at these exciting collections.
Source
bookriot.com