The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is undergoing significant changes that may impact the Illinois library community. We know many of you are following the latest developments, but for those who are uncertain about what is happening, we want to help you make sense of the changes, clarify their potential impact, and provide ways to advocate.
On March 14, the Trump administration issued an executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and similar entities to the fullest extent allowed by law. On the same day, the Senate passed and the president signed a continuing resolution for FY2025, securing IMLS funding through September 2025.
Following the executive order, Keith E. Sonderling was appointed acting director of IMLS, and the entire IMLS staff was placed on administrative leave, with all grants and contracts suspended.
Responses have been swift with the American Library Association (ALA), the National Museum and Library Services Board, and members of Congress urging for the continuation of IMLS funding and the reinstatement of staff.
Despite the certainty that funding was guaranteed under the FY2025 continuing resolution, Acting Director Sonderling notified several states, including California, Connecticut, and Washington that their grants were cancelled on April 3.
How does all of this affect Illinois? In Illinois, federal funding to libraries is distributed by the Illinois State Library through the IMLS Grants to States program, with funding totaling $5.7 million in FY 2024—the sixth-highest amount in the country. This funding supports resources, grants, public library programming, professional development, and operations for various types of libraries, with a focus on underserved areas.
Monies are also allocated to the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) under the System Area & Per Capita Grant Program. This includes funding that facilitates the delivery of books and library materials across Illinois through interlibrary loan services.
Losing IMLS funding will significantly impact Illinois libraries, having serious consequences for the communities and people who rely on them. It will also hinder the programming, resources, and professional development our organizations offer— free of charge, in most cases— to all libraries, members and non-members.
We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates through our communication channels. Notifications will be sent as they become available via:
- Association of Illinois School Library Educators (AISLE) Website
- CARLI News
- IHLS Official Business mailing list
- ILA Alert (signup and archive)
- RAILS E-News and Pulse IMLS Advocacy page
Recent actions such as lawsuits filed by a coalition of 21 attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and the American Library Association offer some hope and shine a spotlight on this critical issue.
We applaud AG Raoul, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, the coalition, and the American Library Association for their commitment to defending IMLS and their efforts to preserve library funding.
We need you and those you know, including friends, family members, and all library supporters, to call their members of Congress and urge them to protect federal funding for libraries. Phone calls only take a couple of minutes and send a strong message to elected officials that their constituents care enough to take time out of their day to make their voices heard. ALA’s Show Up for Our Libraries initiative will help you contact your member of Congress.
We implore Congress to protect and fully fund IMLS at levels that protect both discretionary and statutory programs.
As we face these changing times, we stand together to support Illinois libraries.
Sincerely,
Jacob P. Roskovensky
President, Association of Illinois School Library Educators
Anne Craig
Senior Director, Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois
Leslie M. Bednar
Executive Director, Illinois Heartland Library System
Cynthia M. Robinson
Executive Director, Illinois Library Association
Monica Harris
Executive Director, Reaching Across Illinois Library System