Take Action Now to Protect Library Funding

Critical library funding is in jeopardy. We need your voice to help ensure that federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) remains intact.

Please contact your elected federal representatives today and urge them to support full funding for the IMLS. Let them know how vital libraries are—to you, to our community, and to our state.

To learn more and to access our representatives' contact information, click here. Thank you for partnering with us in this crucial work on behalf of our libraries.

Federal Funding for Libraries: 2025 Developments

A Step Forward for IMLS and Library Funding

On July 31, the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS ED) Appropriations Subcommittee recommended $291.8 million in funding for the IMLS for FY2026.

This proposed amount maintains nearly the same funding level as FY2025, with the exception of a $3 million reduction in administrative costs. The accompanying report emphasizes support for literacy, workforce development, and America 250 initiatives.

While the appropriations process continues, this recommendation represents a step forward for federal library funding. Continued advocacy will be essential to ensure full funding is secured in the final budget.

7/29/25 Update: Federal Library Funding—and E-books—at Risk

As Congress weighs eliminating the IMLS, federal funding for libraries nationwide hangs in the balance. These funds support essential services like statewide e-book access, summer learning programs, and digital preservation initiatives. Without them, states could see dramatic cuts in library staffing, programming, and digital offerings—including e-books, which remain in high demand.

📖 Read the full article here to learn how this could potentially affect our local libraries.

Previous Updates

On March 14, a presidential executive order was signed pertaining to library funding. This order directs multiple federal agencies, including the IMLS, to reduce functions outside the scope of what is statutorily required and to reduce resources for statutory functions to what is minimally required. It is important to note that IMLS funding is the only money the State of Florida provides to Sarasota libraries, with the exception of construction grants for capital projects. 

On March 31, the administration placed all 77 employees of the IMLS on a 90-day administrative leave. On April 4, a coalition of 21 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for attempting to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services. On April 7, the ALA and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the largest union representing museum and library workers, filed a suit challenging the administration's changes to IMLS.

On May 13, federal judge John G. McConnell in Rhode Island issued a sweeping preliminary injunction blocking Trump administration officials from acting on the president’s March 14 executive order. Furthermore, the court ordered the administration to immediately take steps to restore the agency’s employees and grant funding activities. Learn more about these important developments here.