Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding Update
UPDATE Sept 11, 2025: Future funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services cleared a legislative hurdle this week, with the House Appropriations Committee endorsing a $291,800,000 IMLS budget for fiscal 2026. The Senate Appropriations Committee also has approved that funding amount without amendment.
The IMLS budget is among the line items under consideration for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), and the committee's markup of the bill lasted from 11 a.m. September 9 through 12:30 a.m. September 10. The LHHS budget now advances to the full Senate and full House of Representatives for consideration and a vote.
The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is currently under threat of elimination by the Administration. They have proposed $6 million for IMLS in the 2026 budget, effectively dismantling the agency.
- The impact of the loss of IMLS will be felt across the country, especially in small and rural libraries (of which Iowa has more than 500).
- The delivery system used by libraries across the state (Iowa Shares) has moved from daily to once a week deliveries due to cuts in IMLS funding. Iowa Shares is the system that delivers Inter Library Loan items across the state, bringing materials from one library to another. Cedar Rapids is a significant supplier to smaller libraries across the state. Smaller libraries will feel the greatest impact from this cut.
While the Administration recommended a plan to defund and eliminate IMLS in 2026, the Senate Appropriations Committee included a small increase in funding for LSTA, the law that authorizes funding for libraries through IMLS, before the August recess.
What this means in basic terms:
- The committee that writes the Senate’s funding bill for agencies like IMLS did not follow the Administration’s proposal to eliminate IMLS.
- Instead, they proposed to continue funding and even add a little more money specifically for the LSTA program.
- The “small increase” typically means just a few million dollars above the previous year’s level—not a major bump, but importantly, it rejects zeroing out the program.
- If Congress doesn’t include funding for library programs in its budget, those services will end – regardless of what happens with the Administration or in court.
- The issue will next be taken up by the House of Representatives.
Fall is a critical time at the federal level for public libraries. We will share more information when we have it.
Recent History
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
UPDATE: A federal judge in Washington has ruled on a request for a preliminary injunction in the ongoing legal case, ALA v. Sonderling. A federal judge has declined to block the administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling, issued June 6, 2025, will allow the administration’s cuts at the independent agency while the case proceeds.
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A March 14 Executive Order called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and six other agencies. In FY24, the IMLS budget was $294.8 million, of which more than $211 million was dedicated to library services through the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA), the leading source of federal funding for America’s libraries.
LSTA funding supports State Library services, programs and resources that benefit Iowa libraries and citizens. These services include:
IA Shares Delivery Service - Twice-weekly delivery service to every public library in Iowa, supporting the sharing of materials among libraries
Accreditation and Standards - ensuring the development of high-quality libraries in Iowa
Endorsement Program - Providing foundational knowledge, skills, and recognition
State of Iowa Libraries Online (SILO) - platform for resource sharing through interlibrary loan transactions
Summer Library Program - Giving public libraries resources for a comprehensive summer literacy program
Continuing Education - Professional development for directors, staff, and trustees
State of America's Libraries Report
Each year the American Library Association (ALA) releases the State of America's Libraries Report during National Library Week. This includes the Top 10 Most Challenged Books List, and highlights the ways libraries continue to meet the needs of their communities amid challenges to intellectual freedom.
Despite growing pressure, library professionals and advocates stood strong for the freedom to read in 2024—continuing to provide essential services, support their communities, and drive innovation in libraries.
Share Your Library Story
The impact of a public library can best be measured by the impact on our community. This is where you come in!
Tell us a story about how the library has impacted your life or the lives of those around you. Share meaningful interactions or moments, or tell us about your experience with a library staff member.
By submitting this form, you give the Cedar Rapids Public Library permission to publish your story. When we share stories, we typically display only your first name and last initial. Not all submissions are published.
Advocacy
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is grateful for the support of our community. The purpose of this page is to outline resources to promote the importance and value of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. These tools have been compiled to make it as easy as possible to share your support for the library with your friends, family, and community.
Advocacy helps to:
- Inform public library users and the community about library services and their value
- Demonstrate how public library services improve the lives of people in the community
- Ensure libraries have resources to continue offering these important services
- Secure a place at the table for library leaders where important funding and policy decisions are made
Why is Advocacy Important?
Library advocacy is important because it ensures we continue to have the means necessary to serve as a vital community resource supporting all community members. Regular and consistent advocacy with stakeholders means there is a greater chance of being top of mind when important decisions are being made.
We hope this toolkit will offer you the resources needed to advocate for the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Some examples of the messages we hope you will share:
- “The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a vital community hub that fosters lifelong learning, promotes literacy, and provides equal access to information for all residents.”
- “The library offers free resources, programs, and services that support education, professional development, and personal growth, contributing to a thriving community.”
- “Investing in the Cedar Rapids Public Library is an investment in our community’s future, as it enhances quality of life, promotes economic development, and strengthens social cohesion.”
Freedom to Read Timeline
The freedom to read is intertwined with U.S. history, enshrined in the First Amendment and founding ideals of this country.
However, book challenges have also been a recurring feature of American history. Find a timeline of the history of the freedom to read in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and beyond at the link below.