Executive Order Concerning IMLS
- Angela Zimmermann
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Federal Actions Threaten Library Services Nationwide
Recent federal decisions have cast serious doubt on the future of library services across the United States - including those provided by the David & Joyce Milne Public Library. On March 14th, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14238, which calls for the reduction of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the fullest extent allowed by law. Just over two weeks later, on March 31st, all IMLS staff were placed on administrative leave, effectively halting the agency’s operations.
What Is the IMLS and Why It Matters
The IMLS is the primary federal agency supporting libraries and museums nationwide. In the last fiscal year, it awarded over $266 million in grants and research support - less than 0.003% of the federal budget. These funds power vital programs like literacy initiatives, access to digital resources, and cultural preservation efforts.
The Impact on Massachusetts Libraries
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) receives roughly $3.6 million annually through the IMLS’s Grants to States program. This funding supports essential statewide services, including:
Statewide Research Databases: Offering academic and research tools many communities couldn’t afford on their own. https://www.milnelibrary.org/databases
The Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat): A critical interlibrary loan system allowing borrowing across the state.
Library eBook & Audiobook (LEA) Program: Providing free access to digital collections, including Libby and hoopla .
Summer Reading Programs: Promoting youth literacy and learning.
Librarian Training: Especially for serving patrons with disabilities or special needs.
E-Rate Program: Helping libraries manage internet and technology costs.
Notably, 13 of MBLC’s 23 staff positions are supported (in whole or in part) by IMLS funding.
Our own library network, CW MARS, also benefits. If you borrow eBooks or audiobooks using Libby, you’re already using services funded in part by the IMLS. Without this support, you’ll likely see fewer available titles, longer wait times, and higher costs.
What This Means for the David & Joyce Milne Public Library
While our day-to-day operations and collections are primarily funded by the Town of Williamstown - and the roughly $20,000 we receive annually in state aid is not directly tied to IMLS - the ripple effects of federal defunding will still reach us:
Statewide Research Databases will remain available through June 30th, 2025. Beyond that, access is uncertain.
Fewer eBooks & Digital Resources: Cuts to programs like LEA will mean fewer titles and longer waits for digital content.
Reduced Resource Sharing: The Commonwealth Catalog will remain available through June 30th, 2025. Beyond that, access is uncertain. Without ComCat, our patrons will have access to fewer books and materials from other libraries throughout the state.
Higher Costs for Fewer Services: Many statewide programs - such as training for library staff and trustees, disaster planning support, and tech assistance - are jointly funded by state and federal dollars. With federal support gone, some services may be reduced or eliminated, and others may become more costly to maintain locally.
In fact, we’ve already been notified that statewide training and continuing education opportunities for library directors, staff, trustees, and Friends of the Library groups have been discontinued.
Looking Ahead
We’re actively monitoring the situation and remain committed to providing the best possible service to our patrons. But we want to be transparent: without IMLS funding, the MBLC and CW MARS may lose the ability to maintain key services. If that happens, we may be forced to either absorb those costs locally or stop offering some of those services altogether.
We can’t yet say exactly which programs will be affected - but reductions are inevitable. Rest assured, we will continue to serve the Williamstown community with the dedication and values you’ve come to expect.
The Bigger Picture
It’s disheartening to see our federal government undervalue the crucial role libraries play. In 2024, Massachusetts libraries saw 36 million visits - more than Disneyland and more than the combined attendance of an entire season of Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, and Celtics games.
It’s also worth noting that not all library funding is impacted. Programs like State Aid to Public Libraries and the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program are state-funded and remain intact.
How You Can Help
We need your voice. Advocacy is more important than ever. Please consider reaching out to your federal and state legislators to express your support for continued investment in library services.
Make your voice heard:
Learn more:
Statements from Library Organizations:
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make sure libraries remain strong, vibrant, and accessible to all.
Angela Zimmermann
Library Director