NEWS RELEASE

On December 3, 2025, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced it had reinstated all federal grants which were terminated due to Executive Order 14238 signed by President Trump on March 14, 2025. The goal of the executive order was to eliminate IMLS "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law."

The IMLS announcement followed the November 21^st ruling by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell in favor of 21 state attorneys general, including Massachusetts. Judge McConnell determined that Executive Order 14238 exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Congress. This ruling permanently blocks Executive Order 14238 and ensures that IMLS can continue delivering critical support and funding for libraries nationwide and prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency.

With these two major developments, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) will begin to rebuild its federal program. Prior to the Executive Order, through IMLS' Grants to States Program, the MBLC was allocated $3.6 million to support statewide library services and grants to local libraries. Federal funding uncertainty made it necessary to cut many of the services the MBLC provided with IMLS funds.

"Although funding to IMLS now appears more secure and the MBLC can restore some services, the fallout and damage from Executive Order 14238 on our statewide services and direct grants to support local libraries has been extensive. Under these circumstances, this outcome is what we had hoped for and we're grateful for the efforts of the attorney general, state and federal legislators, library supporters, and the entire library community to restore funding to IMLS, the single largest source of critical federal funding for libraries," said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot. "MBLC staff are reviewing what services can be restored rapidly, especially to some of the most vulnerable populations."

In the wake of Executive Order 14238, the MBLC was forced to make several rounds of cuts including the elimination of accessibility training to provide services for the blind and disabled, the cancellation of grants to 18 communities to help improve local library services, collections, and programs, and a major reduction in statewide research databases, heavily used by students.

As the MBLC works to rebuild its federal program, federal FY2026 funding levels are not certain. IMLS is currently funded at FY2025 levels under a Continuing Resolution through January 30, 2026. Both the House and Senate have restored IMLS funding in their respective budget revisions.