Check Out Information on How You Can Support Your Libraries Below!
What You Need to Know
- On March 14, President Trump signed Executive Order 14238 that targeted federal funding to libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
- On March 31, all IMLS staff were placed on leave (75 people)
What is the IMLS?
The IMLS is the the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services.
- Many institutions across the country depend on its funds.
- This program makes up less than 0.003% of the federal budget
- IMLS’ entire program of service costs 87 cents per person (US population July 2024)
How Does This Affect Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, or MBLC, gets $3.6 million from IMLS’ Grants to States Program to support essential state-wide library services.
The MBLC announced that the following services would be stopped immediately:
- Explore Grants awarded to 18 libraries
- Access to training and continuing education for library staff
- Perkins Accessibility training sessions open to all members of the library community
- Grants and funding that served the Department of Corrections and County Jail libraries across the state
What Services Could be Impacted in the Future?
- Library e-Books & Audiobooks
- Research Databases
- Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat)
- Summer Reading Programs
How Is Bridgewater Impacted?
The state and town fund all essential library operations. However, cuts to state-wide resources may result in:
- Decreased Items for Borrowing
- Digital Resources Limited to SAILS Network Only (Libby and Hoopla)
- Longer Wait Times
- Increased Costs Overall
How Can You Support Your Libraries?
MBLC Legislative Agenda
- The MBLC is advocating for state legislators to file amendments for increased library funding
- Call your legislators about the need to increase MBLC funds to offset the loss of federal funding.
- Find your legislator here
ALA Show Up For Your Library Campaign
- Call Congress using their script
- Email Congress using their form
- Check out graphics and resources to spread the word on social media
SAILS Network Survey
- The SAILS Network is collecting stories here to share with State Representatives. Fill out the survey HERE
Local Action
- Join our Friends of the Library to support library fundraising efforts
- Share this news with friends & family and keep using the library!
