In a new executive order, President Trump has targeted the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency charged with distributing Congressionally approved funds to state libraries. Congress was clear in the 2018 Museum and Library Services Act that IMLS is statutorily required by Sec 9133 to send federal funding to state libraries under the Grants to States program (Sec. 9141). This means that Congress enacted the Museum and Library Services Act to strengthen and support state libraries, including their vital work supporting rural libraries like Ruby Sisson Library. 

Many of you have asked me whether these federal cuts will affect Ruby Sisson Library, and the answer is YES.  

Colorado State Library receives $3.2 million in federal IMLS dollars annually to support interlibrary loans, statewide databases and collections, and systems of support to individual public, school, and academic libraries. Two thirds of the state library’s budget depends on IMLS funds. If IMLS is eliminated, any remaining funds will stay at the state level for statewide programs. None will trickle down to our community. 

For Ruby Sisson Library, IMLS funding provides consultant services, supports interlibrary loan, professional development, and an annual State Grants to Libraries payment. This year Ruby Sisson Library received a $6,171 grant from the Colorado State Library to purchase ebooks and e-audiobooks. That’s a big deal to a small library with a small budget. And for those of you who use interlibrary loan, meaning you borrow things from other libraries, you know it’s a lifeline to the world of information from our remote library community. Delivery service isn’t cheap. The State Library’s support of that service is critical. 

This is what IMLS funding means to your library. Now it’s time to tell your representatives in Washington what your library means to you. Call your congressional representative and let them know that eliminating congressionally approved funding for libraries is a decision with enormous negative consequences for every city, town, and village in America.  

Public libraries are the heart of the community and a cornerstone of democracy, providing free lifelong education for an informed citizenry. Protecting libraries protects democracy. Make your voices heard! 

Barbara Brattin
Library Director