Executive Order Reducing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Its Impact on New Hampshire Library Users

On March 14, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing significant cuts to several federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

IMLS provides $1.5 million each year to New Hampshire libraries which funds essential services, including interlibrary loan systems, digital lending platforms such as Libby, and accessibility resources tailored for patrons with visual impairments.

These services are all in jeopardy for New Hampshire libraries if Congress or the courts do not intervene.

What does this mean for you? 

Without this funding, vital services could be significantly reduced or eliminated, drastically reducing access to materials and crippling the collaboration between New Hampshire libraries. Last year, our library conducted 4,765 Interloan transactions and 21,913 audio and ebooks were downloaded by our patrons using Libby. The numbers show how critical these services are to our community. 

How can you help?

Libraries are vital to our community—your voice can help protect these resources!

If you object to the elimination of these funds and the functions of the IMLS that are specifically used to serve you, the public, we urge you to contact your federal legislators today expressing why you value library services.

As this situation evolves, we will keep you posted with updates.  Thank you for your continued support for the Durham Public Library and all libraries. 

Please contact Library Director Sheryl Bass sbass@ci.durham.nh.us with any questions.