An Update On Federal Funding For Our Libraries

On March 14, a presidential executive order was signed pertaining to library funding. This order directs multiple federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (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 possible construction grants for capital projects. 

On March 31, the administration placed all 77 employees of the Institute of Museum and Library Services 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.

Please reach out to our elected federal representatives to express your support for libraries and request that funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services stays intact.  Please let them know you use and value the services libraries provide in our community and throughout 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!