Library Funding Stories

Since the announcement on March 14th of the President's Executive Order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, ALA has been in conversation with members, other library professionals, and advocates across the country to understand the impact of cuts to federal funding for libraries. We have received stories from communities nationwide that speak to the profound consequences of any cuts to library funding; from summer reading programs to tele-health resources, from Inter-Library Loan to eBooks, cuts to funding for libraries would mean fewer programs, services, and resources for the library patrons who rely on them. We've gathered some of those stories here.

Advocating for libraries doesn't stop at story-sharing. Head to ala.org/showup to find more ways to make your voice heard.

Stories like these are incredibly important as we continue to fight for sustained federal funding for libraries. What impact has that funding made in your own community? Share your own story with ALA to help support this work!

You can check out all of the stories with our interactive map, highlighting the impacts of library funding all across the country. Read the stories directly on the map or scroll down to read them here.

Note: Permission to share these stories was granted to ALA by their submitters.

Anaconda, MT: Teen Leader Advocates for Local Montana Library

Fifteen-year-old Ada grew up at the Hearst Free Library (HFL) in Anaconda, MT, (population 9,673) and considers it her home away from home. Picking out books as a child, attending monthly meetings for community groups she participates in, showing up for free Summer Reading Bingo, she is very worried that critical funding is in jeopardy. Sam Walters, the director of HFL, reports that they expect to lose a little over $6,000 in the coming year, which is bigger than their annual book buying budget! What did those funds cover? The state library formerly picked up the monthly data bill for hotspots, but as of July 1st HFL will have to pay $30/per month per device and Sam feels they will have to cut their devices from 8 to 1, unless the county steps in. This would effectively cut access for students who don't have internet at home and rely on the library to do their homework and people who live outside of town and don't have internet access in this mountainous community. Ada has the internet at home, but she knows many of her friends don't, and she's concerned about their ability to learn and grow in the 21st century.

Madison, SD: Rural South Dakota Library Reinstates Inter-Library Loan and Training Staff

Madison Public Library has one location that serves the entire rural county of 11,000 residents. The library doesn’t receive grants directly from IMLS. Grants go to the state library, where the funding supports statewide services such as inter-library loans and digital resources available to all South Dakota libraries and residents. Last week they learned that inter-library loan and staff training will be reinstated in June. Because of the quick turnaround time, training will be reduced from what it has been in the past. Lisa Martin, Library Director, said, “The library does a lot of free training. It can be hard to find qualified employees. The training takes people with good hearts, and people that are book lovers and turns them into professionals.”

Rural TX: Rural Texas Group Weighing Cuts to both IMLS and E-rate Services

A rural Texas librarian is part of a small library group that began in the early 2000's and is proud to be a librarian. That group is looking at funding cuts to both IMLS and the E-rate. WiFi services are currently provided round the clock, but that may change depending on how funding and service cuts shake out. Usage has been so great that one time a police officer saw someone in the lot late at night and it turned out the patron had a school paper due at midnight. The library has also benefited from IMLS funds for statewide shared databases, courier services, ILL and techshare databases, and high speed internet. There is strong community support and hope that they will come forward with funding for hotspots so users can still apply for jobs and loans, do remote work and school work – and so they can still provide other services such as couriers and an operating system (Biblionics, Apollo).

Albany, NY Area: Student’s Real-World Game Hangs in the Balance as Grant Stalls in the Courts

Is there a werewolf on campus? That is the question university students will be prompted to answer once a new information literacy game is complete. Why? To build students' resilience to mis and disinformation with a gamified framework that prepares them for real-world situations. To create the digital game, Abby, Angela and Kelsey received a three-year $250,000 IMLS National Leadership Grant. When the award letter arrived at the end of July 2024, they were eager to get started. Things came to a halt, however, in January 2025 when federal funding was suspended indefinitely. Shortly after, they were told they could resume spending, but then in April they were notified that the grant was terminated. In May, the Rhode Island District Court issued a Preliminary Injunction Order against the administration, and the grant was reinstated. However, it is possible the grant could be terminated again while this plays out in the courts. The team is learning to cope with uncertainty while this innovative game development project is in limbo.

Ohio: Behind the Scenes for Ohio State Libraries

Most Ohio residents and some library staff may not even realize the crucial behind-the-scenes services that the State Library of Ohio provides. With more than $5M in federal LSTA funds from IMLS support, the State Library of Ohio is a state agency that provides direct grants, shared databases, strategic planning, and professional development to all types of libraries, and residents. Additionally, recent grant funding included $234k for the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled that serves rural and also urban communities, $340k for 18 rural libraries to employ a dedicated technology trainer, and $1.534M for the Ohio Web Library set of library databases available through public, school, and academic libraries. Their provision of services and programs are vast and far reaching – from Cincinnati to Cleveland, from Wheeling to the Michigan border.

Ohio: Gigabit Access at Risk for Ohio Libraries

Like library directors across Ohio, Becky Schaade, director of the Fairfield County District Library in Lancaster, is thankful for OPLIN (the Ohio Public Library Information Network) which for thirty years has supplied the internet, free and easy, to her main library. In addition, by working with OPLIN to connect her branches, Becky says, “OPLIN has cut my broadband costs in half while multiplying bandwidth capacity by ten!”
OPLIN, a cornerstone of the state broadband plan, provides each of Ohio's 251 library systems with their internet connectivity, carrying over 70 terabytes of library internet traffic on a typical day. OPLIN assists those libraries connect with their branch locations, providing dedicated tech support and contract administration. They are thankful for the continuation of the E-Rate, which recently was secured by a win in a case decided by the Supreme Court of the United States.
With 70% of the costs of high speed broadband paid for by E-Rate, OPLIN will now be able to provide a gigabit of access to public libraries, which all told represent over 7 million card holders across the state

Endicott, NY: Building Improvements and Operations Stable For Johnson Library

The George F. Johnson Memorial Library is located in Endicott’s historic District – former home to the EJ Shoe Factory and IBM. Surrounded by village streets, suburban neighborhoods, and rural countryside, it offers a unique community setting. The library operates from a 58-year-old building that is continually being upgraded to meet growing needs.
Thanks to $1.1 million annually from the Town of Union taxpayers, the library can maintain operations, expand services, and update its facility. Recent improvements include transforming an outdated media room to accommodate a growing collection, adding two rooms for public use for meetings and workshops, and office space for social work services.
As of early June, current legal actions are preventing IMLS cuts from going into effect. If cuts move forward, it could be devastating for the area, as $8 million in annual federal funds supports 55 of the 87 positions at the New York State Library and the Division of Library Development.
These funds support vital programs and services, including summer reading for all ages, high-speed internet, job search assistance, library construction grants, braille and talking books, student research tools, and telehealth spaces for veterans, seniors, and individuals with limited mobility.
Despite funding uncertainties, the library remains committed to serving as a hub for learning in its community.

Big Rapids, MI: Big Rapids Provide a Lifeline to this small Michigan Community

Everyone trusts their local library as a place for books, movies, internet access, reliable information, and even job search support. In small and rural communities like Big Rapids, these services are especially critical, but often underfunded. One of the most vital resources at risk if IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) funding is cut is MeLCat, the Michigan eLibrary system.
MeLCat, which is funded by IMLS, allows patrons to borrow books and materials from libraries across the state, far beyond what their local library can afford to offer. Without it, countless readers, students, and lifelong learners in under-resourced areas would lose access to a world of knowledge.
Libraries are lifelines. They shape futures and open doors to opportunity. As one local author shared, the library has been a place of growth and inclusion for her son, who has dyslexia. The librarians' patient guidance and thoughtful book recommendations help him—and many others—see the world differently and imagine new possibilities.
Cutting IMLS funding wouldn’t just shrink budgets—it would shrink futures.

Paoli, PA: What's happening? Will Paoli's Teen Art Week and other programs receive funding?

Library users at the Paoli Library stream into the library (about 100 daily) from the youngest children to seniors, from city dwellers to suburban and rural folks. Located in a northern Philadelphia suburb, patrons head to their favorite shelves and resources for books, computer access, data and other resources. They don't worry about how the library is funded. It's their public library! That's likely the case for many or most library goers throughout the United States. The small Paoli Public Library receives IMLS, LSTA and other funding through a special Grants to States Program.
According to a spokesperson from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, the commonwealth recently received confirmation of a partial allotment of funding from the IMLS to be distributed to local library systems. This isn't abnormal, the question is will full allotment from IMLS and other funding become a reality and when? Typically, the answer is yes, but until then, should Paoli go forward with their programming like Teen Art Week, which is funded through NEH though PA Humanities? This program includes a series of guest speakers about photography, a fiber arts class, and a workshop about e-zines. Library users from Paoli want to know.

Mercer County, NJ: Small Community College Library Meets Essential Academic Needs

"Colleges and universities could not function without libraries. Mercer County Community College, a medium sized Hispanic serving two-year community college, graduates just over 900 students a year, where this is particularly true. Located in a suburb outside Trenton, NJ, the library is a great resource for commuters. They access online journals and books at the on-campus facility. Librarians provide reference assistance, in-person and chat appointments with librarians and library instruction classes.
According to Angela Camack, retired reference librarian, student efforts to complete their studies would be much harder without interlibrary loan and individual assistance. Even today, because of costs, many students rely on the library for their own computer needs and the library textbook collection for assigned readings and to complete assignments. The institution's faculty and staff are also big users at this college community hub.
Funding for Mercer comes from a combination of student tuition, followed by County and State funding in addition to local, state and federal grants. They do benefit indirectly from IMLS funding, through the NJ State Library which spends a substantial amount to pay for all libraries in NJ to have free EBSCO, Gale and a few other databases mainly used by public or school libraries."

Barbara Bush Library, Harris County, TX: Services Likely to Be More Limited With Federal Budget Cuts

Serving Harris County, the largest in Texas, the library is mostly suburban, with some of its 28 branches in rural areas. IMLS funding cuts will likely result in the reduction or elimination of the inter-library loan (ILL) program, which is very popular. Grant funds have been used to offset courier services and mail costs. The library may have to limit the number of patrons who can use the service and/or the number of requests at one time and/or the amount of time that a patron can have the book on loan. Without ILL, the library won't be able to make the same impact as before. IMLS grants have also enabled connectivity for the community. During COVID, funds were used to purchase Chromebooks and hotspots. The grant was for three years. Now, the library will not be able to receive new devices. Connectivity services are crucial to community members who cannot afford devices and internet access. The library also participates in the E-rate program.

Richmond, KS: More Fundraisers to be Scheduled if Federal Funding is Cut

In this rural town of less than 500 where there is no restaurant or grocery store, the library is a popular spot for residents of all ages - for programs like craft days (both children and adults), StoryTime and the book club. The six public computers are filled with kids after 4pm, every day. They get off the bus at the library and their parents pick them up there. Adults use the computers to check email and fill out job applications. Sometimes they file their taxes. The computers are very helpful to people who don't have internet access at home. The library participates in E-rate, for discounted internet access. If that program were to be discontinued and/or IMLS federal funding is cut it would mean another fundraiser. The library already holds four a year.

Bentonville, AR: Bentonville Public Library Benefits A Growing Community

A mom in Bentonville, Arkansas is extremely thankful for the library. She said, "This library provides so many services for my children. Anywhere from read alongs, to move sessions, to games, to cultural experiences. Losing that funding would negatively affect the children."
She's correct, Bentonville Public Library's budget is primarily funded by the City of Bentonville general operating fund. With an annual budget of nearly $2 million, funding supports library personnel, operational expenditures, and capital purchases. Revenue resources include overdue fines, basic cost-recovery fees, donations, grants, rental income, and impact fees, as well as supplemental funds from Friends of the Bentonville Library and Bentonville Library Foundation.
Bentonville Public Library patrons benefit from several Arkansas State Library programs funded with grants from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and distributed under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Programs include summer reading initiatives, book club support, the Mockingbird inter-library loan platform, professional development, and educational resources through the Arkansas Traveler Database Program. Losing Arkansas State Library support would absolutely have a negative impact on services. The library is thankful for strong support from the City of Bentonville and its citizens, but to provide adequate services to a growing community, public libraries must leverage all available resources, including state and federal funding.

Pendleton, OR: Mobile Library Reaches Umatilla Indian Reservation Plus Many More

In 2021 the Pendleton Public Library received an American Rescue Plan Act grant to build a mobile library (commonly known as a bookmobile). This mobile Library travels to those who do not live within walking distance of the library, may not have grown up using a library, or are hesitant to take on the responsibility of borrowing items. It visits local preschools and childcare centers, teaching them how to use the library, providing books for their classrooms, and programming such as brief story times and STEM activities.
It also visits the confederated tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Here it visits tribal Head Start as well as the after school recreation program. Librarian James brings exciting activities such as sphero bots and rovers, he gets kids excited about reading and expanding their knowledge of the scientific process.
During the warmer months the Mobile Library pops up in different parks, and at community events with a small collection of books, DVD's, Video Games, and materials from our Library of Things. A live story time is hosted once a week. Mobile might be on wheels, but for this dispersed community it serves as its brick and mortar.

Georgia: GA Libraries Scrambling to Ensure Continuation of IMLS-Funded Resources

The Georgia Public Library System (GPLS) uses IMLS funding to help pay for bulk services and programs across the state, including the Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES). IMLS covers about half the cost of PINES, which is the integrated library system (ILS) for 51 of 60 systems in Georgia, representing 151 of 159 counties, and about half the state’s population. PINES also provides GA library users with free access to every book in the state’s libraries. Lisa MacKinney, the Director of Hall County Public Library and chair of PINES’ Executive Committee estimates that number to be 11 million titles, a number no library could afford to purchase on its own.
GPLS also uses IMLS funds for the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS), which provides free braille and talking books. As an example, several hundred patrons in the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries use GLS services. Alan Harkness, Director of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, says, "Should GLS be cut, we won’t be able to provide that service, as we do not have the expertise, or the technology to do so.
Several hundred print / visually disabled patrons in our four-county area, would then theoretically have to go without it, which is very sad."
Georgia’s libraries must now think about how to continue serving the communities that depend on these resources.

Wisconsin: An Uncertain Future for WI Libraries

In Wisconsin, federal dollars support statewide services such as BadgerLink, WI online library of research and learning databases, and technology purchases including public computers, Wi-Fi hotspots and internet service. IMLS also provides grants for library innovation and modernization and provides continuing education for library staff. Interlibrary loan could also be impacted, meaning that the county’s ability to borrow materials from Fond du Lac, Madison and beyond would be impaired.
“The federal funding that was cut has since been restored due to a court case; however, that funding is only good until this current fiscal year is over,” said John Thompson, Director of the IFLS (Inspiring and Facilitating Library Success) Library System whose organization supports 53 public libraries in the 10-county region of Eau Claire. “There is still reauthorization needed to fund IMLS and as of now there is no funding in the federal budget to support IMLS so the full effects of the federal funding cuts may not be felt until 2026 or 2027." In the meantime there is a great deal of uncertainty.

Littleton, CO: Colorado's Librarians' Librarians Provide a Backbone Across the State

The director of the Bemis Library in Littleton, Colorado, recognizes that while some libraries like Bemis won't be directly impacted by IMLS cuts, many neighboring libraries will. Impending cuts at the federal level will disproportionately impact small and rural community libraries, and will secondarily affect every library in the state…and therefore, every Coloradoan.
In fact, sixty-six percent of Colorado's library staff salaries ($3.2M) are funded by LSTA grants passed through the Colorado State Library. And, cuts to LSTA will mean that state libraries will face reductions and job loss that may impact the field and support for small and rural libraries. To date, LSTA grants have also provided funding for state library staff that support library staff at school, academic, institutional and special libraries. These will be severely affected if cuts go through and in turn, services like interlibrary loans or other fundamental services such as staff training, board relations, and fundamental library provisions may be slashed. Who will suffer?
Library users who may lose the most are youth. In a recent poll of librarians across the state a majority (79%) said that continuation of services that focus on early childhood literacy to be essential or very important. And 72% of respondents selected a new focus on services to children ages 6-19 to be essential or very important. This is what's at stake. This is what Dennis, and his colleagues all over the state are trying to save.