- United States
- Mo.
- Letter
Friday’s executive order tried to defund libraries through the institute of Museums and Libraries. I’m saddened by these cuts. I’ve worked in libraries most of my adult life. I’ve seen what they do for communities. I suspect these cuts are a way to “own the libs” and direct money to Amazon. However, in my area, St Louis libraries are well funded by local taxes and corporate donations. It is rural libraries which will be hurt the most. Job hunting, digital literacy, and high speed Internet access are all things supported by IMLS grants. You can read about how Missouri uses those funds in the linked report.
One particular thing I use is MOBIUS. It is a system to lend books between Missouri’s academic and public libraries. On my desk is the book The Overview Effect by Frank White as part of my interest in space exploration. The infrastructure of MOBIUS is funded through IMLS.
Please consider how you can help Missourians by maintaining IMLS funding.
https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/LibraryDevelopment/2023-2027FinalApproved.pdf
