IMLS Protected by Major Court Ruling as Appeal Moves Forward in Boston
November 24, 2025
June Thammasnong
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
june.thammasnong@mass.gov
The library community across Massachusetts is applauding a major court ruling that permanently blocks President Trump's Executive Order 14238 that sought to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation's only federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and museums.
On Friday, November 21, U.S. District Court Chief Judge for the District of Rhode Island John J. McConnell blocked the effort to eliminate the IMLS in a case filed by attorneys general from 21 states, including Massachusetts. McConnell determined that the executive order exceeded presidential authority and violated laws that govern 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 last few months of chaos and uncertainty made it clear how essential IMLS funding and programs are to maintaining equitable library services at every level," said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot. "The disruptions to libraries, from interlibrary loan shutdowns in South Dakota and Florida, to cuts in 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. 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 arguments 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.
IMLS Funding for FY2026
The recent court ruling protects IMLS from elimination, but funding levels for FY2026 are still being determined. The original FY2026 proposal issued under Executive Order 14238 included sunsetting the agency, eliminating federal support for libraries and museums. Both the House and Senate have restored IMLS funding in their revised budget proposals. The proposed $291.8 million FY2026 budget includes a modest overall cut but provides a slight increase in the Grants to States program, which directly supports programs in Massachusetts. IMLS will continue to operate at FY2025 funding levels under a Continuing Resolution through January 2026.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.