Announcements
Update on Federal Funding for MA Libraries
In March, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order that would dismantle federal agencies created by Congress, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS is the single largest source of critical federal funding for libraries. IMLS’ entire program of service costs 87 cents per person (US population July 2024). The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) uses federal IMLS funds to provide statewide library services for everyone. The Executive Order led to the loss of hundreds of grants for state libraries and museums.
The State has looked at other funding sources, and is able to keep the statewide interlibrary loan service (ComCat) and continue to support the summer reading programs. However, cuts had to be made to the funding for eBook content and database subscriptions. It will lead to even longer wait time for ebooks, and greatly reduced database offerings starting in July 2025.
For more information about the federal funding at risk and most up to date news, visit the MBLC website.
For a quick overview of the impact of the Federal Administration's executive decisions on MA libraries, plus links to resources, visit our information sheet.
If you have questions about the situation or Library operations, please reach out to Library Director, Peishan Bartley.