Executive Order Reducing the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Order's Impact on Kingston Library Users
An executive order issued on March 14 calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the “maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” The IMLS is the nation’s only federal agency for libraries, representing 0.003% of the federal budget. It distributes congressionally-approved funds to state libraries and to library, museum, and archives programs.
On March 20, all IMLS workers were put on leave and a new Director was instituted to oversee the organization.
Many of you have expressed concern about what this means for the Kingston Community Library, so we want to share what we know so far.
Where We Are Now
The New Hampshire State Library currently receives $1.5 million of IMLS money each year,
which funds our popular state inter-library loan program, Talking Book services for the disabled, and the Libby platform.
As a small town, Kingston relies heavily on our inter-library loan program and other resources supported by federal funds, which we could not afford alone.
In 2024, the Kingston Community Library borrowed 1691 items from other libraries to support the needs of our patrons, including 5 monthly book clubs. Additionally, our patrons borrowed 9,108 titles through Libby, averaging about 900 titles per month and 30% of our total circulation.
What Happens Next
IMLS funding is dependent on two factors:
1) The reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 (MLSA) - The MLSA sunsets on September 30, 2025. Reauthorization is essential to continue the work of IMLS. By law, Congress is charged with reauthorization duties.
2) Federal financial support in FY2026 - Without sufficient funding, the IMLS cannot
adequately perform its duties. Again, Congressional action is needed.
What You Can Do
If you object to the elimination of these funds and the impact on library services, we encourage you to contact your Congressional Representatives expressing why IMLS funds are critical, and how this change will impact you, our town, and the state. Additionally, you may also choose to sign this petition, which has been released by EveryLibrary. EveryLibrary is the nation's first and only political action committee for libraries and organized as a 501(c)4. You can find out more about the full scope of their work atwww.everylibrary.org.
Thank you for supporting public libraries. As we learn more, we will keep you posted with
updates and other ways to help.
Melissa Mannon, Library Director
Stephanie Hasselbeck, Chair, Library Board of Trustees
Kingston Community Library
Contact us at info@kingston-library.org www.kingston-library.org/ https://www.facebook.com/KingstonNHLibrary/https://www.instagram.com/kingstonlibrary_nh/