Dear Colleagues:
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.
The uncertainty of the past few months highlighted how essential IMLS is to equitable library service. Disruptions such as interlibrary loan shutdowns in South Dakota and Florida, cuts to statewide databases here in Massachusetts, and staff layoffs at the Maine State Library are just a few examples of how the absence of IMLS funding impacted the entire nation.
Upcoming First Circuit Court of Appeals Hearing in Boston
Oral arguments have been scheduled at John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse in Boston on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in the Trump administration’s appeal of the preliminary injunction that was issued in Rhode Island v. Trump. The hearing is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. and details can be found on the court’s calendar. Members of the public may listen to the live audio of oral argument or may attend oral arguments in-person; more information on attending is available at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit website.
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.
For more detailed information on the lawsuit and the next steps in supporting IMLS, visit: https://bookriot.com/21-attorney-generals-lawsuit-decision/
Please continue to reach out with questions or concerns anytime.
Sincerely,
Maureen Amyot