Budgets & Funding

The American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees are taking the Trump administration to court to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

From the loss of Hoopla, databases, and Wi-Fi hotspots to the closing of rural branches, librarians document the devastating effect of the end of IMLS funding.

Several states received notice that their IMLS grants were terminated; the Department of Education demands states sign a certified letter declaring their public schools do not have any programs that could be considered to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion or it will withhold funding. 

SLJ wants to share the stories of how the loss of funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services—including Laura Bush Foundation grants —will impact your library and community.

We Need Diverse Books will celebrate the first We Need Diverse Books Day on April 3; senators call on acting director of IMLS to continue funding programs as directed by Congress; Suzanne Collins talks philosophy and Sunrise on the Reaping; Eric Carle Honors honorees announced; and more.

The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services would be a devastating blow to public and school library services across the country. ALA and EveryLibrary call on Congress and the American people to fight for the funding.

Many of the more than 80 executive orders issued by President Trump since Inauguration Day affect K-12 education, schools, and students as the Department of Education faces cuts from Elon Musk's DOGE group and a declaration for the department's "final mission" from new secretary of education Linda McMahon.

With the expected attempts to enact the plans defined in Project 2025, librarians must act strategically within their schools, communities, and local and state legislation to ensure the future of libraries. Experts share tactics and advice for the upcoming fight.

If confirmed by the Senate, McMahon is expected to advance the school choice and conservative agenda while trying to fulfill the president-elect's campaign promise of shutting down the Department of Education.