Executive Order Threatens the Future of IMLS
On March 14, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to significantly reduce its operations. The order calls for the elimination of non-statutory components of the agency. While it was not immediately certain what this directive would entail, in recent weeks IMLS staff have been placed on administrative leave and previously awarded grants have been terminated.
The American Library Association (ALA) has strongly opposed the decision, warning that it is "cutting off opportunity for the American people – economically, culturally, professionally, and socially."
The Role of IMLS in Washington
Since its establishment in 1996, IMLS has been a crucial source of federal funding for libraries and museums across the United States. Although funding for libraries represents only around 0.003% of the annual federal budget, IMLS supports a variety of programs through grants and financial assistance.
TRL staff spoke with State Librarian Sara Jones on a recent podcast episode where she referred to IMLS funding as "bar none, one of the most effective and efficient uses of money that I've ever seen...you have to know what your project outcomes are going to be before you're given a penny, and then you're asked - did you meet those project outcomes or exceed them?"
In FY 2024 the Washington State Library received approximately $3.9 million as part of the Grants to States program to support:
- Libraries for the blind and print disabled, including the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
- Institutional Library Services (ILS) providing resources and support to incarcerated and hospitalized patrons
- Broadband access to rural and underserved communities
- Access to eBooks and other online resources, including the Washington Anytime Library
- Workforce development resource to support job seekers and employers
- Training for staff who provide Early Learning and Youth programming
- Resources for Tribal Libraries including digitization assistance
- Professional development and continuing education for library staff
Source: Washington State Library, Library Services & Technology Act 2023-2027 Plan
What Can TRL Patrons Expect?
Timberland Regional Library is funded primarily through property taxes (93.5%) with supplemental funding from timber revenues (5.7%). Additionally, TRL receives a substantial discount of 70% on internet costs through a federal program known as E-Rate for our 29 libraries, which is based on the free and reduced lunch levels (a key poverty indicator) of our five-county district. Our communities benefit from programs supported by IMLS administered by the Washington State Library (WSL) and through federal funds such as the E-Rate program.
A variety of research and reference databases, local history resources, digital newspapers, workforce development tools, and research and reference resources for all ages are utilized by TRL patrons and are either fully funded or subsidized by WSL using IMLS grants. The elimination of IMLS funding and other federal funding puts the availability of these programs and services at risk.
Advocating for IMLS and Library Funding
Many rural and underserved communities in Washington and around the country rely on federal support to maintain important library services. Without IMLS grants and other federal funding, libraries may struggle to sustain programs that provide critical resources to their patrons.
Community members who wish to express support for IMLS can find suggestions at the EveryLibrary Institute, a non-profit corporation that supports library funding across the United States. Additionally, the ALA has launched the "Show Up for Our Libraries" campaign to mobilize public support and emphasize the importance of continued investment in libraries and museums.
The future of IMLS remains uncertain, and community advocacy will be essential in ensuring that libraries can continue to provide vital services to the public.
When asked what library users can do to support IMLS and library funding Jones said, “People’s voices matter. When you call your Congress people and your state legislators and tell them, ‘Hey, this matters to me, it’s important’ - that works. It really does work.”
No Shhh...It's the TRL Podcast! - Understanding the Impact of IMLS Funding Cuts (And What You Can Do to Help)
Further Reading
Washington State Library IMLS Project Highlights
IMLS Funding Impacts in Washington State
IMLS Budget: 2025 Congressional Justification for Appropriations Request
American Library Association FAQ: Executive Order Targeting IMLS
Take Action To Save Federal Funding for Libraries! - EveryLibrary Action