On March 14, the White House issued an Executive Order on Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy (Executive Order 14238). This order eliminates to the maximum extent the “non-statutory components and functions” of several government entities, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS was created through the Museum and Library Services Act (Chapter 72 of Title 20 of the U.S. Code), which also includes the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA, 20 U.S.C. § 9121 et seq.). LSTA provides for a number of programs including the Grants to States Program (20 U.S.C. § 9141), the single largest source of federal funding for libraries in the nation. Grants to States provides the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), Rhode Island’s state library agency, with 45% of its annual budget.
LSTA funding supports the following programs at OLIS:
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Talking Books Library for the blind and print-disabled serves over 1,000 Rhode Islanders.
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Reading Programs such as the Summer Reading, Kids Reading Across RI, book award programs and support for the RI Center for the Book to support programs for children, teens and adults.
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Subgrants to libraries to develop programs and services, including grants statewide for digitization, services for veterans and differently abled individuals, social services, learning programs, and collection development.
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Library Development including consultant services to libraries, especially in the areas of children, teen and adult services, data collection and analysis.
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Continuing Education (professional development) for librarians and library support staff through online and in-person workshops to elevate the skills of library staff.
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Resource sharing (library delivery) among libraries, including online resources and physical sharing of materials among libraries that creates efficiencies of scale for libraries statewide. Tools such as FirstSearch, WorldCat, and out of state ILL, including ILL service with Massachusetts libraries, are funded with federal funds.
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Salaries of agency staff who coordinate these programs. 10 of OLIS’ 13 staff are funded in part with federal funds.
From 2020-2024, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has provided $11,418,109 to Rhode Island libraries and museums. Of that total, $8,834,565 was awarded to the Office of Library and Information Services, including $2,326,055 in stimulus funds (American Rescue Plan Act and CARES Act). In the current year (state fiscal year 2025), OLIS will receive $1,413,623 to support services and programs for Rhode Island libraries as listed above.
The loss of federal funding and support for library services for Rhode Island and states across the country will seriously impact the ability of state library agencies to support and develop local library services. Libraries provide critical services to their communities, supporting education, workforce development, life-long learning, access to information, and skilled professionals who can help Americans navigate the confusing and at times overwhelming abundance of information and government services that are available online. The elimination of the one federal agency that supports these activities and so much more would have a considerable, negative impact on communities in Rhode Island and across the nation.
What can you do to help:
Contact Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation:
Senator Jack Reed
Rhode Island Phone: (401) 528-5200
Washington Phone: (202) 224-4642
Mailing Address:
728 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC, 20510
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Rhode Island Phone: (401) 453-5294
Washington Phone: (202) 224-2921
Email: sheldon_whitehouse@whitehouse.senate.gov
Mailing Address:
530 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC, 20510
Representative Gabe Amo
Rhode Island Phone: (401) 729-5600
Washington Phone: (202) 225-4911
Email: amooffice@mail.house.gov
Mailing Address:
1119 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC, 20515
Representative Seth Magaziner
Rhode Island Phone: (401) 244-1201
Washington Phone: (202) 225-2735
Email: seth.magaziner@mail.house.gov
Mailing Address:
1218 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC, 20515
Let them know that funding and services provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the RI Office of Library and Information Services are critical to your library and the community you serve. Be specific about which programs are important to you, such as summer reading and other services listed on OLIS' Summary on the Executive Order. And if you have friends and relatives in other states, have them contact their congressional delegation as this order will impact state library agencies and libraries across the nation.
Show Up for Our Libraries
After you contact your Rhode Island congressional delegation, visit the American Library Association Show Up for Our Libraries page and learn how you can do more: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/show-up-for-our-libraries
