IMLS Funding Issues
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Over the weekend President Trump signed an order to gut the Institute of Museum & Library Services. We would like to share some information with you to better be informed about what our libraries might be facing.
From the American Library Association: "To dismiss the mission of an agency that advocates opportunity and learning is to dismiss the aspirations and everyday needs of millions of Americans. And those who will feel that loss most keenly live in rural communities. As seedbeds of literacy and innovation, our nation's 125,000 public, school, academic, and special libraries deserve more, not less support. Libraries translate 0.003% of the federal budget into programs and services used by more than 1.2 billion people every year."
If you feel so inclined, please reach out to the West Virginia representatives in Washington DC to let them know how important libraries are to you and your community.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito
172 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.6472
Senator James C. Justice II
G12 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202.224.3954
Congresswoman Carol Miller
1605 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.3452
Congressman Riley Moore
1337 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202.225.2711
Read the full ALA statement here: https://www.ala.org/news/2025/03/ala-statement-white-house-assault-institute-museum-and-library-services
Most importantly, if IMLS funding is not fully restored to its prior agenda, the Brooke County Libraries will have a deficit of at least $4,600+ to start with. IMLS funding in WV is distributed and spent by the West Virginia Library Commission, the Library Section under the Department of Art, Culture & History.
Part of their program is to support such things as automation costs that are annual expenses and can be rather large invoices. They also support continued education, WVInfoDepot.org databases, training, grants, and so much more.
As a result of these funds being stripped, BCPL would be forced to cut other local services for our budget to balance for the upcoming Fiscal Year with the additional costs we incur. At .0046% (reported by the American Alliance of Museums) of the federal budget, IMLS helps libraries and museums in innumerable ways at very little cost in all 50 states and territories.
For more information visit the following sites:
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