Concerned But Committed: Small And Rural Libraries Are Feeling The Impact Of A Defunded IMLS

Abstract

Since the release of the March 14 executive order calling for the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), libraries across the country have been managing the immediate fallout while also considering the long-term effects of losing federal funding. The Blackmur Memorial Library, with a service population of 3,360, posted on its Facebook page: "The Mississippi Library Commission has announced that due to the Federal Government's layoffs and budget cuts for [IMLS], the funding for Blackmur Memorial Library's access to the Hoopla digital media service has been halted as of Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The Arkansas legislature passed Act 903 this year, giving Gov. Sanders "full authority to replace the entire Arkansas State Library Board, which oversees the disbursement of state aid to public libraries," says Graham. [...]with the likelihood for partisan politicking on the board, Graham and others in the state share the concern that "funding decisions could become more subjective, especially for libraries that offer broad collections or programming that reflect the full diversity of their communities."