Librarians experiencing effects of budget cuts

Photo courtesy of ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons

Many librarians learned in early April that the Trump Administration had revoked previously approved budgeting decisions, even though some previously approved grant funding had already been used. 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) delegates funding across the nation for museums and libraries. It also facilitates training programs across a wide variety of usages and ensures that all states receive advancement in this realm. The IMLS received about 266 million dollars in research funding and grants last year. 

The IMLS had to shut down earlier this month due to recent rulings under the new administration. This halted all work and funding. 

The IMLS was one of the first programs to become smaller and more restricted due to the Trump Administration’s recent action towards leave for various government departments and their staff. Staff members were notified that they would be placed on paid administrative leave amid the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) presence with the IMLS facilities. 

Most libraries are primarily funded by local taxpayers and will not be drastically impacted by this. Nonetheless, many small and rural libraries, which rely on government funding, may experience the full effect of this.

Some states, such as Washington, Connecticut, and California, have already experienced the end of their previously granted funding. Other states are beginning to prepare for this change. Mississippi has ended its eBook online program, and Ohio has started cutting some of its summer programs. 

Angela Marinucci from the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library said, "It may not be direct here, but an attack on libraries or library systems really is going to affect all of us and how we access them and what we do with them.”

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy states “I’m proud to support our libraries, which serve as vital community hubs for learning, literacy, and opportunity, as evidenced by Congress’ allocation of $294.8 million in last year’s budget. However, it’s also clear that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is in need of reforms to create efficiencies and eliminate political bias and the influence of left-wing ideology.” Langworthy continues, “This is a short-term leave that will allow the Trump Administration to assess staffing, and they have made it clear that they intend to revitalize I.M.L.S. to restore its focus on cultivating love of country in future generations.”

Democratic Congressman Tim Kennedy said, “Libraries are essential. The Trump administration’s decision to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services threatens jobs and vital resources and services that Western New Yorkers rely on. In 2024 alone, New York received $8 million through the IMLS to fund literacy programs for kids and adults, train library staff, and expand digital equity.” 

Kennedy goes on to say, “While local branches may not face an immediate hit, the long-term effects could be devastating if the state is forced to divert construction aid that local libraries rely on to fill the gaps with the loss of federal support. This puts local systems that are already stretched thin at further risk. I am in close communication with our local library systems and will continue to fight against these attacks on education and equity.”

Many libraries are urging local communities to donate what they can to keep these beloved and important places running smoothly.