1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Libraries are vital community institutions that foster education, literacy, workforce development, and civic engagement. Yet President Trump's proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) threatens to dismantle this essential infrastructure. This federal agency provides crucial funding that enables public libraries across the nation to offer digital resources, workforce training programs, language preservation initiatives for Indigenous communities, research to combat misinformation, and services for students with disabilities. Defunding IMLS would deprive millions of Americans of reliable internet access, cutting off economic opportunities and deepening inequities. Libraries are not fiscal drains but economic drivers, returning $4 for every $1 invested according to the Ohio Library Council. They strengthen democracy through voter resources and civic learning programs. Losing federal library support would undermine America's ability to innovate, remain globally competitive, and uphold democratic principles of intellectual freedom and equitable access to information. Given the wide-ranging benefits libraries provide, the administration's attack cannot be allowed to succeed. Robust advocacy from elected officials is urgently needed to preserve this vital network of educational and cultural institutions serving all communities.