1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Recent actions by the administration to place the entire staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on administrative leave and slash its budget threaten to undermine critical services provided by libraries across the country. The IMLS is the primary source of federal funding for libraries, awarding $266 million in grants last year to support workforce training programs, services for underserved communities, and basic operations like providing books, computers, and internet access. Without IMLS staff to administer these programs, most grants will likely be terminated, disproportionately impacting small and rural libraries that heavily rely on this funding. Public libraries are primarily funded through local taxes, but federal support from the IMLS is vital for sustaining services that enhance education, job readiness, digital literacy, and community engagement nationwide. I urge you to advocate for the immediate reinstatement of IMLS staff and full funding for this essential agency. Libraries are invaluable public resources, and ensuring their longevity through federal assistance should be a top priority. Gutting the IMLS jeopardizes equal access to information and personal enrichment for millions of Americans. Please take action to protect these cornerstone institutions and the many beneficial programs they facilitate.