RAILS would like to share a few short updates on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding situation:
System Funding for FY 2026
Illinois State Library (ISL) has directed the regional library systems (including RAILS) to submit plans at level funding for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2026). This means ISL is planning for a FY 2026 financial year that looks a lot like FY 2025.
IMLS Grants to States
ISL has received a portion of the IMLS Grants to States allotment for FY 2025. These funds will be used in the FY 2026 ISL budget. ISL has already received all of the FY 2025 funds from the IMLS Grants to State programs.
Judicial Decision
On Thursday, May 1, a judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from further dismantling of IMLS. This stems from a legal effort from the American Library Association (ALA) to stop the Executive Order. This case remains open.
What’s Next
Congress will need to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act for the next federal financial year that funds the IMLS programs, inclusive of the Grants to States program. This means that continuing funding of the IMLS will require further congressional actions.
For updates on the IMLS funding situation, please use the RAILS IMLS Advocacy Pulse page.