"Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order to block the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The decision was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), represented by Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP.
IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to the nation’s libraries and museums. On March 14, President Trump issued Executive Order 14238, which directed the elimination of the agency. Subsequently, the Trump Administration put nearly all agency staff on administrative leave, began mass termination of the agency’s grants, dismissed all members of the IMLS board, and halted crucial data collection and research. These actions left IMLS unable to fulfill its duties required by federal law and threw libraries across the country into a state of chaos..."
"A federal judge has halted President Trump's attempt to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services – the agency which provides federal funding to libraries and museums across the country.
On March 14, Trump issued an executive order calling for the elimination "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law," of seven government entities, including the IMLS. In response, attorneys general from 21 states sued the president to stop him from dismantling three of those agencies – the IMLS, the Minority Business Development Agency and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.
District court Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who was nominated to the court by President Obama in 2011, issued an injunction on the EO Tuesday, stating that it violated the Administrative Procedure Act..."
ADVOCACY CENTER
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Update: Federal Funding & Virginia Libraries
Some good news regarding the federal funding as it applies to Virginia public libraries and Executive Order 14238 in the reduction of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
As of April 24th, Virginia received it's grant award notification letter from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for 50% of the next federal fiscal year's funding as part of the Grants to States program which funds states under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 - September 30. This means that any big decisions regarding cuts that would've had to have made before September 2025 are now able to be pushed back for an additional six months, which puts us a few months into 2026.
This means that things that impact your public libraries like the Find It Virginia databases, library consulting, Niche Academy, and other resources will remain in place for this same time period. The Library of Virginia will continue to move forward on the various projects funded by LSTA. Funding for the 2026 federal fiscal year is contingent upon the federal budget which is currently going through its budgetary process. As of the publication of this newsletter, funding for IMLS still stands at zero. You can tell Congress to invest in libraries via this tool -- Fund Libraries.
UNITED FOR LIBRARIES RESOURCES
Virginia library staff and stakeholders (folks like you!) have access to a whole host of resources from United for Libraries.
In the short time since the election, it seems that everything related to government has been upended. Programs slashed, mass firing of federal employees fired, and lives in turmoil. It almost seems that there is nothing the average America can do to protect those people and programs dear to us... but there is.
This webinar will start with a sobering assessment of what’s different and what’s the same in these times. Participants will learn what basic elements of advocacy they can employ to ensure their voices are heard, and what tools still work. The program will also cover basic advocacy techniques both in state/federal capitals and back home. It will conclude with some successful advocacy case studies, reminding participants that democracy still can function in times of crisis.
Now is the time for Friends of Libraries, library Foundations, and other groups to plan for fall events – Library Card Sign-Up Month in September, Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11, and National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 19-25 (the 20th anniversary celebration!). Learn innovative ideas for how to use these events to promote your library and group, and about new graphics and promotional items that will be available. Find out how groups across the country have celebrated these events, and new ideas for 2025.
This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.
Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters.
Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors.
Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing).
Free registration for Virginia library stakeholders
This presentation cover grants projections for 2025 and analyzes trends from the previous year. Our time is primarily focused on regulatory changes to watch, addressing uncertainty for government grants, and the actionable steps organizations can take to protect their work and communities while we navigate the current turmoil. We also include tips for relationship building and strategies for sustainability.
Resources and Strategies to Protect Older Adults from Fraud and Scams
Scams, fraud, and exploitation have harmful consequences for anyone, but the impact can be especially devastating for older adults, who may not be able to earn back what they’ve lost. In addition to financial loss, many victims of fraud also experience psychological harm. In this session, panelists will highlight free resources available for libraries to help patrons combat fraud and share experiences hosting effective fraud prevention workshops in partnership with local law enforcement. You’ll leave feeling empowered to help older adults in the community protect themselves from the constant pressure of fraudsters.
Libraries for All: Accessible Library Services for Children with Disabilities and their Families
Whether large or small, rural or urban, all library communities serve children with disabilities. Developing an awareness and understanding to the needs of kids with disabilities and their families is vital for providing relevant and impactful library services to all. This webinar shares ideas for programs, collections, and services that welcome and support kids with disabilities and their families. Attendees will also learn about ways you can make their existing library programs more inclusive for all...
Please note, if you register with a non-library issued e-mail address, someone from the Library of Virginia will follow up with you to confirm that you are affiliated with a Virginia library before you can access the content.
BOOKS
titles
Click on the image to learn more about each title, and then use your local library to request them from the Library of Virginia.
"It is not a time to be meek, indirect, or retreat. Our survival -- as institutions foundational to our democracy, education, and learning -- is at risk."
- Leslie Burger, Interim Executive Director, American Library Association in her column "Upholding Our Values", from the May 2025 issue of American Libraries
This newsletter is brought to you by the Library Development division of the Library of Virginia. Funding for this is provided through the Virginia General Assembly and the Institute for Museum and Library Studies (IMLS).
