March 26, 2025 – On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order calling for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and six other agencies to be dismantled. What does this order mean for Iowa libraries and for Cedar Rapids?
First, some background: The IMLS distributes congressionally approved funds to libraries and museums. In Fiscal Year 2024, 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.
This represents just .003% of the federal budget and funds programs used by more than 1.2 billion people each year – as well as virtual services.
LSTA funding supports State Library services, programs and resources that benefit Iowa libraries and citizens. For the Cedar Rapids Public Library, these services include:
- IA Shares Delivery Service: Twice-weekly delivery service to every public library in Iowa, supporting the sharing of materials among libraries. Cedar Rapids patrons borrowed more than 300 items from other libraries last year. We provided over 1,000 items to other Iowa libraries.
Brainfuse: IMLS funding supports digital library resources such as Brainfuse, which offers homework help, tutoring, career services, veteran support, and more. Cedar Rapids patrons accessed Brainfuse more than 2,100 times last year.
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.
- Continuing Education - Professional development for directors, staff, and trustees.
Small and rural libraries will be impacted even more. IMLS funds summer reading programs, All Iowa Reads, website and technology assistance, STEM to Go & Storytime Kits, digital databases, and more. Small libraries often lack the budgets to fund these services on their own. IMLS funding also supports the People's Law Library of Iowa.
IMLS funding depends on two things. The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 sunsets on Sept. 30, 2025, and must be reauthorized by Congress. It also needs federal financial support in Fiscal Year 2026. Without sufficient funding, IMLS cannot adequately perform its duties.
Want to learn more? The American Library Association has an FAQ page here. As we learn more about how this will impact Iowa libraries, we will also provide updates at CRLibrary.org/advocacy.