US Libraries Face Cuts After Trump Administration's Agency Dismantling Order
Libraries across the United States are grappling with budget cuts, leading to reduced services like e-book availability and loan programs. This comes after the Trump administration's attempt to dissolve the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), resulting in the suspension of federal grants. While legal challenges have temporarily halted the dismantling of the IMLS, the funding cuts have already impacted libraries nationwide.
Impact on States
Several states have been significantly affected:
- Maine: Laid off a portion of its library staff and temporarily shut down its state library.
- Mississippi: Suspended its e-book service.
- South Dakota: Halted its interlibrary loan program.
Library officials have expressed surprise at the abruptness of the cuts.
Digital Resources Affected
The suspension of funding has particularly affected the availability of digital resources like e-books and audiobooks, which have seen increased demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Library officials emphasize the rising cost of providing these digital resources, especially for smaller libraries.
Legal Challenges
Legal action has been taken by attorneys general from several states and the American Library Association against the Trump administration's actions. The IMLS has an annual budget of under $300 million, with less than half going directly to state libraries.
Funding Discrepancies
California, Washington, and Connecticut received letters stating the remainder of their funding for the year was cancelled, causing confusion as other states did not receive similar notice. Libraries in rural areas are particularly vulnerable as they depend on federal grants for essential services.
