This column features information on how to advocate for libraries amid IMLS funding cuts, appeared in the April 27, 2025, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE). It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).
Nebraskans encouraged to advocate for libraries with IMLS funding in question
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) may not be a household name, but it is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. In Nebraska, IMLS funding touches nearly every corner of the state — from supporting summer reading programs and early literacy initiatives to helping job seekers build new skills and supporting statewide access to books and resources.
The Nebraska Library Commission serves as the state’s official connection to IMLS, distributing these federal funds and guiding their use to meet the unique needs of both rural and urban communities. These dollars are often behind the scenes, but their impact is tangible. In Nebraska, IMLS helps fund staff positions that support the Talking Book and Braille Service for visually impaired residents. It also ensures that libraries across the state can provide access to digital books, interlibrary loan services, and competitive library improvement grants.
However, the future of IMLS funding is now in question. A recent executive order has put the agency — and the services it enables — on shaky ground. As of this writing, IMLS’s 75-person staff has been placed on administrative leave. The board that oversees the agency has been disbanded. In a stunning move, the state library agencies in California, Connecticut, and Washington received written notification from Acting Director Keith Sonderling that their IMLS grants had been withdrawn.
In response, American Library Association (ALA) President Cindy Hohl issued a sharp rebuke:
“Withdrawing library grants is a callous move at any time, but downright cruel at a time when it’s getting harder for many Americans to make ends meet — most of all, in small and rural communities.
The White House may have no qualms about slashing opportunity for jobseekers, students, veterans and families, but Congress has the power to restore support for services their constituents rely on. It’s time for elected leaders to show up for our libraries.”
In a major legal pushback, ALA has joined the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) — the largest union representing library and museum workers — in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s dismantling of IMLS. Twenty-one state attorneys general have also joined the effort to protect the agency. A preliminary injunction was filed on April 10, following grant termination notices sent to state libraries in California, Connecticut, and Washington. Additional notices are expected, expanding the potential impact on library services across the country.
Federal support for libraries comprises only a fraction of the national budget — just 0.0046%. But its value in local communities is immeasurable. As Congress weighs its next move, library advocates are urging Americans to share their stories and speak up for the institutions that provide free access to education, information, and opportunity. Without federal investment, those services are at risk — especially for the communities that need them most.
As the future of IMLS funding hangs in the balance, it’s essential for Nebraskans to understand the vital role their libraries play in fostering community growth and opportunity. Whether through early literacy programs, access to essential resources, or services for individuals with disabilities, the support provided by IMLS funding is crucial. Attorneys general from twenty-one states — along with the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union representing museum and library workers have filed suit against the Trump administration to protect the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
I encourage you to advocate for your libraries by sharing your stories and contacting your federal legislators to emphasize the importance of library funding. The ALA’s “Show Up For Our Libraries” campaign provides a platform for individuals to express their support and make their voices heard. Organizations like EveryLibrary also offer resources and guidance for those looking to take action. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that libraries continue to thrive and serve as invaluable hubs of knowledge, connection, and empowerment for all Nebraskans.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.
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