Cultural Organizations Press Congressional Decisionmakers to Fund Library, Museum Services as Appropriators Determine FY 2027 Federal Spending
June 01, 2026 - Nine cultural organizations, including ULC, called on Congress to expand federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in its fiscal year (FY) 2027 appropriations bills, which are scheduled for markup by a House Appropriations Subcommittee later this week. The letter is addressed to members of the House and Senate Appropriations Labor-Health and Human Services-Education and Related Agencies Subcommittees, who will decide funding levels for IMLS.
Dear Member of Congress:
The undersigned leading cultural organizations write to urge your strong support for continued and expanded federal funding for museums and libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in your FY 2027 LHHS Appropriations. Museums, libraries, and archives form the bedrock of our nation and communities, long serving as gateways to knowledge, literacy, workforce skills, culture, and civic life in uniquely American ways. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, we should in turn celebrate and embrace the enduring, intrinsic contributions of these institutions to American history, society, and our economy.
Libraries, museums, and archives provide the essential infrastructure of the American experience, improving local communities through service to individuals and families of every age, income level, and background. Libraries provide free internet access, literacy programs, job training, artificial intelligence upskilling, veterans support, research assistance, and safe gathering spaces for families and students. Museums preserve our shared history, promote tourism, strengthen local economies, and offer educational programming that inspires curiosity and lifelong learning. Archives, many of which are housed within museums and libraries, document and preserve our shared history and provide access to public records. In rural and underserved communities especially, these institutions often function as vital community centers and educational, technological, and economic lifelines.
According to IMLS, more than 170 million Americans hold library cards, and public libraries collectively receive over 1.3 billion visits annually – surpassing attendance at all major professional sporting events combined. Likewise, according to the American Alliance of Museums, museums welcome approximately 850 million visits each year, serving students, researchers, tourists, and lifelong learners. These institutions stand at the heart of nearly every American community, both rural and urban, large and small...
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ULC Applauds Bipartisan IMLS Funding
February 03, 2026 - Today, President Trump signed into law the Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill preserving funding for libraries within the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), despite an initial request to zero out the institute’s budget.
The Urban Libraries Council released the following statement from President & CEO Brooks Rainwater:
“Congress sent a clear bipartisan message by preserving IMLS funds: libraries belong to all Americans. We thank the members of Congress from across the country and across the political spectrum for making sure libraries were prioritized in this budget.
Make no mistake, it was the tireless advocacy of libraries across the nation that helped drive this point home. We’re especially proud of the library leaders who took the time to join us on Capitol Hill to speak with members of Congress from both parties on the essential role IMLS plays in day-to-day library functioning, and grateful for the partnership of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries for co-leading this effort.
Libraries large and small, urban and rural united to speak with one voice about the importance of federal funds for programs to help veterans, small businesses, children with special needs, and so much more. In good times and bad, libraries are there in communities everywhere, and sharing their stories made a difference.
Our nation’s libraries and museums are some of our most cherished institutions. We remain vigilant to future efforts to undermine library funding, and to ensure the institute remains able to fulfill its role for many years to come.”
IMLS Cuts Put America’s Public Libraries at Risk
April 10, 2025 — Public libraries are essential infrastructure in every American community, and that especially is so during times of economic uncertainty. The elimination of federal funding for public libraries will be felt in every community across the country, and particularly in rural areas. Public libraries provide people with job skills training, entrepreneurship support, homeschooling and education materials, and access to food services that are at risk without federal funding. As many people face job reductions and layoffs, there is an increased need for the services libraries provide to help people improve workforce skills.
In response to an Executive Order issued on March 14 to reduce the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Department of Government Efficiency has begun cutting existing grants, including funding to states in California, Connecticut, and Washington. These cuts are disruptive, especially to services provided in rural communities. Further, experts working for IMLS have received notices their positions are being eliminated; this further erodes effective support for America’s essential public libraries. IMLS funds have provided Braille books for the blind in Connecticut; an online, after-school tutoring program available to all students including GED preparation in Louisiana; upgraded internet speeds for library patrons in Whitefish, Montana; and supplied education kits for homeschool families in Choctaw County, Mississippi—projects driven locally, based on need.
The Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Public Library Association (a division of the American Library Association) and Urban Libraries Council urge the administration and Congress to rescind this recent round of cancellation of grants to state library agencies, libraries, and museums. IMLS must continue to honor appropriated and statutory programs and grants as Congress intended. All members of Congress must listen to their constituents and speak up for the value of public libraries and the essential services they provide in every state.
America’s public libraries call for Congress to stand up for the Institute of Museum and Library Services
Released March 19, 2025
As the organizations that collectively represent public libraries in the United States, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council oppose the Executive Order calling for the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which will have disastrous consequences for America’s public libraries and their patrons across the country. We call on members of Congress to affirm the value of these community pillars by pushing the White House to rescind this order.
From literacy to workforce training to homeschooling resources to veterans’ services, IMLS provides a backbone for public libraries to support each and every American in communities, small and large. Representing .003% of the federal budget, IMLS funding delivers a tremendous return on its investment in this nation's 17,000 public libraries through efficient administration by its staff and services.
As most funds are distributed through the “Grants to States” program, IMLS funding is closely tied to the needs of state and local libraries, making it a program with maximum efficiency and efficacy in all 50 states. For example, IMLS funds have upgraded internet speeds for library patrons in Whitefish, Montana; provided Braille books for the blind in Louisiana; and education kits for homeschool families in Choctaw County, Mississippi—projects driven locally, based on need.
Further, IMLS programs like the National Leadership grants power innovation that ensures libraries have resources to explore safe routes for children to their public library, expand new technology and AI adoption, and improve disaster preparedness.
IMLS must continue to operate as Congress intended, and all members of Congress must listen to their constituents and speak up for the value of public libraries and the essential services they provide.