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March 14, 2025

D.C. Circuit preserves IMLS after Congress funds 123,000 libraries

Associated Press
NPR
Education Week
Federal News Network
Paula Mauro
+2

Courts block Trump's elimination of federal library funding

Trump administration moved to eliminate Institute of Museum and Library Services in March 2025, the main federal funding source for libraries nationwide

Courts blocked the cuts on constitutional grounds, ruling Congress controls spending authority over library funding

Library Services and Technology Act provides $200 million annually that keeps 9,000 rural libraries operational

Public libraries provide internet access for 21% of Americans who cannot afford home broadband connections

Local censorship groups gain power to remove books when federal grants no longer require First Amendment compliance

Adult literacy classes, childhood reading programs, and English language learning courses face elimination without federal funding

Digital divide expands when libraries lose broadband funding precisely as government services move online

📋Public Policy✊Civil Rights

People, bills, and sources

What you can do

1

Contact your representatives at 202-224-3121 to support continued Library Services and Technology Act funding

2

Join the American Library Association at ala.org to advocate for federal library program continuation

3

Support local library funding through municipal budgets and community fundraising to replace federal cuts

4

Contact the Urban Libraries Council at urbanlibraries.org to advocate for digital equity programs

5

Volunteer at local libraries to help maintain services during federal funding uncertainty

6

Write letters to local newspapers explaining how library closures affect community internet access and education