Contact: Evan Ottenfeld - eottenfeld@urbanlibraries.org

WASHINGTON, DC - 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.”