President Trump recently issued an Executive Order reducing staff in federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for libraries. IMLS provides essential support to libraries across the U.S., and national organizations like the American Library Association are advocating for its funding.
The Funding Situation in Illinois
We recently received news from IMLS through the Illinois State Library regarding the FY2025 awards under the Grants to States Program. The federal budget that was just passed includes this funding. The funding is intended to go through September 2025. The Illinois State Library anticipates receipt of $5.7 million – the same as last fiscal year – later this spring.
Beyond September 2025
At this time, it is unclear how the Executive Order may impact current funds beyond the Grants to States program or future grant rounds. Congress will need to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act because of its expiration in September 2025. Please continue to watch the RAILS E-News, we will pass along as much information as we can.
What Can You Do?
Efforts from the Association for Library Service to Children, Every Library, and the American Alliance of Museums also highlight IMLS’s importance. We're updating a RAILS news article to share how you can advocate for IMLS and library funding.