National Library Week: Questions Answered & A Call to Action
- Gabby Womack
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
It's a grim time to be a librarian in the U.S.
We went from being praised for our dedication to our communities during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, to targets of our government in 2025. Some might wonder why libraries are important and why shutting down the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is such a big deal. I'll share the answers to both of those questions now.
Why are libraries important?
Libraries support their communities with everything from free wifi, a wide range of books, computer access, air-conditioning, heating, movies, craft supplies, educational and fun events, photocopying/scanning, printers, tax forms & tax assistance, meeting rooms, English language classes, and so much more! These are crucial amenities for people who have limited or no access to them in their homes.
What's wrong with shutting down IMLS? Can't the states just fund their libraries?
According to their website, "the mission of IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development." Despite the vastness of these offerings, the IMLS draws less than 0.003% of the annual federal budget. Everylibrary.org states that "staff salaries, books, other library materials, office supplies, and utilities are funded primarily by city and county taxes -- State taxes and special revenues cover roughly a third of those expenses. But federal grants cover a much smaller portion, often for minor renovations or one-time improvements." The majority of libraries are not paying their staff exorbitant wages and spending federal money on drag story time."Steve Potash is the CEO of OverDrive, which distributes digital products such as audiobooks, e-books and movies to libraries. He said in an interview that small and rural libraries will be most affected by cuts to federal funding."
Still don't see how this affects us all? Read these testimonies!
A Call To Action
So what do we do to fight for our libraries and museums? The American Library Association wants every library supporter to show up and make their voices heard. Here are concrete, effective actions you can take now:
Call your Senators and Representatives urging them to overturn the executive order and protect IMLS funding.
Send this action alert to five people in your network.
Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper explaining why IMLS is important and the impact of federal dollars on communities.
Share your story for ALA’s story collection about the impact of federal funding on your community.
Sign up for future action alerts from ALA.
"For Right to Read Day, which takes place Monday, April 7, 2025, we’re “Drawn to Freedom” — the freedom to read, the freedom to access information, the freedom to find community — all of the opportunities our libraries provide." - uniteagainstbookbans.org
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