"Whatever the cost of libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation."
Legendary CBS News Anchor Walter Cronkite
Libraries are on the Chopping Block.
We all understand budgeting and cutbacks, but banks of FREE knowledge (libraries) need the utmost support in times like the present. Consider supporting them directly.
Here, I provide links to the facts, a few opinions on the importance of this life-altering topic, and what you can do about it.
What Happened?
On March 14th, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order eliminating funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the independent federal agency that supports libraries, archives and museums. The IMLS directs federal funding to support state libraries, which in turn funnel money to state Library Systems.
Why Libraries are Important.
Libraries matter to everyone, no matter where you live.
Libraries fill in the gaps of various resources that people might not have but need, such as free computer use, the internet, and real people to answer questions to help navigate "where" to find things that lead to answers for people trying to solve their problems.
Where one has the motivation to learn, the library is the one place EVERYONE has the opportunity to gain knowledge regardless of the financial ability to pursue a formal education.
How I Use Libraries.
Having utilized libraries all of my life from poverty to success, I attribute having access and support from librarians to where I am professionally today.
As a child, I needed local libraries to get access to children's books and social programs my parents couldn't afford.
As a young adult, my entertainment came from the local library because there wasn't money for elaborate recreation. Additionally, I only had access to the internet, and help navigating it came from my local library.
In college, I needed help finding written works nationwide for specialized scientific research and academic work that was no longer in print or digitized.
In my massage work, I reference the current year's PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) and other materials related to my client's unique concerns at the library.
In my legal work, I utilize the local and State Law Library.
In lieu of a Historical Society, I researched the history of a small-town property at the local library.
I get locally grown food from the Farmer's Market held in the local library parking lot.
I vote at my local library.
Write your elected officials. Use this language or your own, asking them to defend IMLS's Section 9141 guarantees to State Libraries.
I am writing as a patron of the [INSERT COMMUNITY LIBRARY NAME HERE], which serves the [rural town(s), urban city or county] of [Name(s) of the town, city or county], [INSERT STATE HERE].
On March 14th, 2025, the President issued an executive order calling for the "elimination" of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The 2018 Museum and Library Services Act makes it clear that IMLS is statutorily required (by Sec. 9133 of the law) to send federal funding to state libraries under the Grants to States program (under Sec. 9141 of the law). While other grant programs within IMLS are discretionary, the Grants to States program is written as a “shall.”
Libraries across [INSERT YOUR STATE] depend on state funding to maintain their operations. That funding, in turn, derives from the Grants to States program of the Museum and Library Services Act. Eliminating this funding would have a negative and, in some cases, devastating impact on libraries in [INSERT YOUR STATE] (not to mention around the country). Rural libraries like the [INSERT COMMUNITY LIBRARY NAME HERE] are vibrant community hubs that connect area residents with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming so that individuals—regardless of background—have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive. More so than a community center, town hall, or public park ever could, libraries serve communities in ways that benefit everyone. They aggregate resources – from educational offerings to job skills coaching to ESL learning to free WiFi to home schooling – and put them all under one welcoming roof for everyone to share.
This law must remain in force and I am asking you to defend IMLS’s Section 9141 guarantees to state libraries.
Kristy Medo LMT
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