Federal Funding

Federal Funding At Risk

Institute of Museum and Library Services

On Friday, March 14, President Trump signed Executive Order 14238 that targeted federal funding to libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

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.