Statement on White House Executive Order Regarding the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Mississippi Library Association opposes the Trump administration’s executive order, Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, which includes eliminating "non-statutory components and functions" of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This decision threatens a critical program that provides essential funding for library services and programs across our state. We urge the administration to reconsider and rescind this order to protect these vital resources.

Libraries receive just 0.003% of the federal budget, yet they provide essential services that benefit all Mississippians. This funding supports early childhood literacy programs, high-speed internet in rural areas, job search assistance, and access to technology. Cutting IMLS funding would disproportionately harm rural and underserved communities, limiting educational and economic opportunities. It would also restrict libraries’ ability to purchase books, maintain technology, attend professional training, and provide essential services that saw over 4.3 million in-person visits in Mississippi last year. These cuts represent more than $600,000 in funds that directly support local libraries through the Grants to States program, which also provides statewide databases for reference services, Talking Book Services for those who are visually impaired, computers and Wi-Fi, eBooks and audiobooks, cataloging, interlibrary loan, collection management, and more.

We urge all Mississippians to contact their congressional representatives and speak out in support of library funding. Your voice is essential to protecting the resources that strengthen our communities.

Sources

https://www.ala.org/news/2025/03/ala-statement-white-house-assault-institute-museum-and-library-services

https://www.mlc.lib.ms.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FY24Annual-Report-2.pdf