Fight to protect IMLS funds

The current administration has issued an Executive Order directing further cuts to the government agency that efficiently provides critical funding to museums and libraries in all 50 states.

If this administration is truly committed to government efficiency, this small department is one of the most efficient in the nation.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) makes up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget to support a sector that generates more than $50 billion dollars in economic benefits to the American economy and supports more than 726,000 jobs.

Specific to the state of Colorado, the IMLS funds $3.2 million (2023) to support libraries in the form of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). This funding supports the Colorado State Library in providing services to all Coloradans through access to information and books across the state via interlibrary loans. It also allows for continuing education opportunities for public/academic/prison/and school librarians, and the Colorado Listening Library for Coloradans with reading barriers.

I implore our representatives in congress to oppose further degradation of funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). I encourage citizens to write their representatives to share stories about how libraries have impacted your lives and the lives of your children.

— Rae Ciciora, Boulder