Information on IMLS cuts

Statement from the Illinois Heartland Library System:

"In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at further downsizing federal agencies. One of those targeted is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the organization responsible for administering crucial grants to state and local libraries. Later that month, the entire IMLS staff was placed on administrative leave for up to 90 days, forcing a pause on all of the agency's grant activities—including the disbursal of already-granted FY2025 funds."

What does IMLS funding mean for central and southern Illinois?

Six hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars in system grants go to support fast, free interlibrary loan delivery five days a week. That translates to fifty million dollars in taxpayer savings. For every dollar spent on resource sharing, central and southern Illinoisans see four-point three items delivered, one-point seven miles driven, and three-point four residents served. Deliveries driven one-point-one million miles a year to five hundred and twenty libraries serving two million, one hundred and sixty thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine central and southern Illinois residents. One hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars to train public library trustees for the better use of taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, IMLS equals 0.0046 percent of the federal budget.

Download Infographic "What Does IMLS Funding mean for central and southern Illinois?"

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
The Library Services and Technology Act is the only source of dedicated federal funding for libraries. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administers LSTA. Every state receives LSTA funding to address local priorities, such as:
 -support jobseekers with free career training and certifications
 -provide resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs
 -promote reading skills and early literacy; and
 -deliver internet access and digital skills classes

LINKS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

American Library Association FAQ

Illinois Library Association Statement

Letter from Illinois State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias

What does IMLS funding mean for central and southern Illinois? Six hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars in system grants go to support fast, free interlibrary loan delivery five days a week. That translates to fifty million dollars in taxpayer savings. For every dollar spent on resource sharing, central and southern Illinoisans see four-point three items delivered, one-point seven miles driven, and three-point four residents served. Deliveries driven one-point-one million miles a year to five hundred and twenty libraries serving two million, one hundred and sixty thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine central and southern Illinois residents. One hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars to train public library trustees for the better use of taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, IMLS equals 0.0046 percent of the federal budget.

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) The Library Services and Technology Act is the only source of dedicated federal funding for libraries. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administers LSTA. Every state receives LSTA funding to address local priorities, such as:  -support jobseekers with free career training and certifications  -provide resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs  -promote reading skills and early literacy; and  -deliver internet access and digital skills classes