Federal Funding

Federal Funding in Massachusetts

Updates

The library community across Massachusetts is applauding a major federal court ruling that permanently blocks Executive Order 14238, which sought to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and museums.

On November 21, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell ruled in favor of 21 state attorneys general, including Massachusetts, determining that the order exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Congress. The ruling ensures that IMLS can continue delivering critical support and funding for libraries nationwide and prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency.

In addition, the Rhode Island v. Trump First Circuit argument scheduled for December 4 in Boston will not be going forward. In light of the district court’s granting of summary judgment and a permanent injunction to the states (mentioned above), the federal government filed an assented-to motion to dismiss the appeal as moot, which the court granted on November 25. 

FY2026 Funding
While the ruling protects IMLS from elimination, FY2026 funding levels are still being finalized. The agency is currently funded at FY2025 levels under a Continuing Resolution through January, and both the House and Senate have restored IMLS funding in their budget revisions. The proposed $291.8 million allocation includes a modest cut overall but a slight increase to the Grants to States program, which supports services here in Massachusetts.

About 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 (U.S. population July, 2024).

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) receives $3.6 million from IMLS’ Grants to States Program. The MBLC uses federal IMLS funds to provide statewide library services for everyone. The cut to IMLS will be felt across our entire state.

Other Federal Funding

Though IMLS is the primary source of library funding from the federal government, libraries may also receive E-Rate funding for internet access, or grants from other federal agencies and programs. Most of these programs are also currently at risk.