UPDATE: Federal Funding for Libraries Restored

The American Library Association (ALA) greeted an announcement by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that it had reinstated all the agency’s grants, including those to libraries and library organizations across the country. The grant reinstatements come as a direct result of a November 21 federal court decision in a lawsuit brought against President Trump by 21 states. 

ALA President Sam Helmick said, “ALA welcomes the good news that IMLS is restoring all federal grants that had previously been terminated. This means that libraries across the country will be able to resume vital services for learning, imagination, and economic opportunity. 

“Restoration of these grants is a massive win for libraries of all kinds in all states. Every public, school and academic library and their patrons benefit from the research findings and program outcomes from individual library and organization grantees. 

“We are breathing a sigh of relief, but the fight is not finished. The administration can appeal court decisions. Congress can choose to not fund IMLS in future years. ALA calls on everyone who values libraries to remind their Congressmembers and elected officials at every level why America’s libraries deserve more, not fewer resources." 

On March 14, President Trump issued Executive Order 14238, which directed the elimination of the agency. Subsequently, the Trump Administration began mass termination of the agency’s grants. 

On November 21, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island struck down the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle IMLS. The decision was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states. The agency’s reinstatement of grants follows that ruling.

In parallel to the states’ litigation, ALA also has led efforts in Congress and the courts to preserve IMLS. ALA filed its own lawsuit challenging the Administration’s actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which remains ongoing. ALA also mobilized thousands of contacts from library supporters nationwide urging Congress to protect IMLS.