President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order that will cut library funding, raising concerns across the nation. Libraries depend on federal funding to serve their communities, and these abrupt grant terminations and reductions will have devastating and lasting effects on communities in America.
Publishers Speak Out
Four major publishers—Hachette Book Group, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster—sent a letter to Congress on April 3rd. They expressed “deep concern” about the state of U.S. libraries. Sourcebooks joined them in this effort. Their unified message emphasized the critical role libraries play in education and access to information. The publishers state in their letter that “defunding libraries would result in mass closures and the destruction of a system that today benefits millions of Americans,” even though the funding from IMLS makes up “just 0.003% of the federal budget,” and urged Congress to oppose the executive order to shut down IMLS and reinstate its funding.
The IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) distributes federal funding to libraries. This agency faced unprecedented turmoil after President Donald Trump signed the order on March 14th and called for the elimination of the IMLS. Following the issuance of the order, the Trump administration appointed Keith Sonderling, the deputy secretary of labor, as the new acting director of the IMLS. He placed the entire institute’s staff on administrative leave, contrary to the advisory board’s wishes. Without this support, many libraries will struggle to maintain programs, staffing, and resources, let alone to remain open. These challenges will limit community access across the nation to books, technology, and educational opportunities for children, adults, and seniors alike.
Publisher’s Weekly noted a few days ago, the official Instagram for IMLS posted slides depicting its budget, with things like “$6,700,000 to enhance equitable library programs” and “$1,500,000 for social justice programs” with a caption that reads, “The era of using your taxpayer dollars to fund DEI grants is OVER.”
Here is what some commenters had to say about it:
This is not quite the burn you think it is. Those things are precisely what I want my tax dollars to fund.
Funny, at my library it funds computers for rural people without internet access and art classes for senior citizens. but go on with your propaganda machine #fdt
As an illegally terminated IMLS employee, this is beyond misleading and disgusting.
Funny enough, these same libraries also teach how to identify propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation! Judging by these comments, they’re doing a great job.
You should be embarrassed to have published this. IMLS funds interlibrary loans and public programs that make libraries, archives, and museums accessible public spaces. If you had consulted a single information professional, you would know that.
I want my tax dollars to go to these things. Bring them back.
Many of the comments continue to go on like this, expressing outrage for using the site’s Instagram page to go against what IMLS stands up for.
The Publisher’s Letter
Dear Members of Congress,
We write to you with deep concern regarding the recent Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” dated March 14, 2025, calling for the closure of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the abrupt halt of its essential funding, which was approved by Congress, signed by the President, and earlier this week resulted in all IMLS staff being placed on administrative leave. As publishers, we are unwavering in our support for libraries, which play a critical role in our communities and shared commitment to a literate, informed society and democracy.
Every American has the right to access information and books that showcase a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Books build empathy, offer knowledge, and explore complex topics in long form. Libraries are essential community hubs that provide free access to these valuable tools and resources. Defunding libraries would result in mass closures and the destruction of a system that today benefits millions of Americans.
While IMLS funding is just 0.003% of the federal budget, it has tremendous impact, supporting more than 125,000 libraries in communities across the country, from major urban centers to rural areas and small towns. Public libraries in the United States receive more than 1.3 billion in-person patron visits every year, and even more people access libraries’ resources virtually. Rural libraries are critical to their communities, serving as an essential center for information, education, and connection.
30+ million Americans rely on their public libraries for internet access—a fundamental necessity in today’s world. In rural areas, 83% of libraries are the only source of free internet access in their communities. IMLS helps libraries bridge the digital divide by providing digital resources that assist community members with finding employment, applying for government services, and completing schoolwork.
Libraries are welcoming, safe spaces for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to gather, learn, and grow. Through IMLS grants, libraries have expanded their essential educational programs, including summer reading initiatives for children, career development training, family story hours, and community health workshops. These offerings foster well-being, combat isolation, and empower citizens to take control of their health.
We call on you to reject the executive order to close IMLS and to restore its funding. Allowing the IMLS to be defunded, and thus to disappear, would leave millions of Americans without access to the books, tools, and other resources required to participate in the modern world. Shuttering IMLS would be an act of monumental neglect, violating the very foundation of America and what it stands for as a country. It would undermine the tenets of our democracy and our citizens’ right to read, think, and learn freely. As President William McKinley once said, “The free man cannot be long an ignorant man.”
Join us in standing with libraries and the communities they serve. The future of our nation depends on it.
Signed:
Why Libraries Matter
Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They provide:
– Free internet access for those without it at home.
– Safe spaces for students to study.
– Job search assistance and resume workshops.
– Early literacy programs for children.
These services benefit millions of American people across the country, especially in communities that lack adequate resources.
Questions for You to Consider
– How would your community change if the local library had to reduce services or close altogether?
– What resources have you or your family relied on from the library?
– Should Congress prioritize funding for libraries? Why or why not?
What You Can Do
If you care about libraries, consider taking action:
– Write to your representatives in Congress. Share why libraries matter to you.
– Support your local library through donations or volunteering.
– Stay informed about federal and state funding decisions.
Libraries are essential to learning and equal access to information. Their future depends on public support through volunteering, voting, and advocacy.
