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On March 14, the Trump Administration released an executive order detailing plans to significantly reduce the functions of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), stating the agency should be minimized “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” This directive impacts IMLS and six other organizations, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, mandating cuts to personnel and essential services.
The IMLS serves as an independent federal body that administers critical funding to libraries, museums, and archives across all 50 states, five territories, and three sovereign nations. In its recent fiscal activities, the agency disbursed $266.7 million in 2024 to bolster various cultural and educational institutions. The acting director, Cyndee Landrum, was unavailable for comment regarding these changes.
In response to the executive order, the American Library Association issued a strong statement on March 15, vehemently opposing what they described as “the White House assault” on the agency. They articulated that the elimination of funding through the IMLS would severely undermine libraries—essential community resources. The association underscored that libraries, which account for a mere 0.003% of the federal budget, serve over 1.2 billion individuals annually and deserve enhanced support rather than cuts.
This proposed reduction is not a new tactic for the Trump administration; efforts to cut IMLS funding have appeared annually throughout his previous term, though library advocates successfully thwarted these attempts each time.
The grassroots organization EveryLibrary has begun mobilizing support through a petition aimed at protecting the IMLS, which has garnered around 17,000 signatures and is striving for a goal of 20,000. John Chrastka, the executive director of EveryLibrary, explained that while the order does not demand the agency’s complete shutdown, it does enforce deep cuts that would impair its services significantly.
Chrastka emphasized that the executive order challenges statutory obligations set by Congress, including essential funding for existing grants. He urged supporters to consider how to advocate for maintaining these legal commitments through IMLS, highlighting issues around accountability and resource allocation for libraries nationwide.
Moreover, Chrastka pointed out the critical distinction between the terms “shall” and “may” in legal directives. He noted significant programs, like the Grants to States initiative, are at serious risk. This program not only provides funding for essential library services but also addresses equity by supporting diverse community projects. Additionally, the executive order threatens the continuation of key IMLS programs, including the National Leadership Grants for Libraries and Museums.
An interactive map created by IMLS illustrates the distribution of funds across the nation, showcasing the agency’s support for both red and blue districts. States like California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois received the most substantial funding, with others like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington also benefitting significantly from IMLS grants.
The agency impacts a wide variety of communities, as exemplified in 2024 where notable recipients included the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit and the Center for African American History and Culture at Virginia Union University in Richmond. Funds were also allocated to Native and Indigenous organizations for essential projects such as acquiring resources, digitizing materials, preserving languages, and creating public exhibits.
At present, it is uncertain how the executive order may impact the IMLS’s annual award programming. The agency collaborates with the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers to administer the National Student Poets Program, which recognizes the artistic achievements of students. In 2024, over 30,000 submissions were received from high school students, with five outstanding winners each receiving a $5,000 scholarship.
The executive order’s implications could jeopardize vital initiatives that have seen bipartisan support from various public and private entities. In August 2024, IMLS partnered with several federal agencies to allocate $25.7 million in grants through the Save America’s Treasures program, which aims to preserve significant historic sites, leveraging nearly $50 million in total investment from both public and private sectors.
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