The March 14 Executive Order on IMLS will have a real impact for Rhode Island’s libraries. On March 31, all IMLS staff were placed on administrative leave. On April 1, twelve staff were recalled, leaving a skeleton crew at an agency that employed 75 staff on March 31. The Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) has shared that the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which is administered by IMLS, has long provided Rhode Island libraries with financial support for many innovative programs and projects over the years, makes up 45% of OLIS’s annual budget. This means that many critical library services are at risk, including the Talking Books Library program for blind and print-disabled Rhode Islanders, the statewide summer reading program, statewide interlibrary book delivery services, funding for key OLIS staff positions and much more. OLIS received $1,423,623 in LSTA funding in FY2025 to support core services and programs for Rhode Island libraries as mentioned above.
The Rhode Island Library Association opposes the cutting of federal funding to IMLS and stands in support of IMLS, museums and libraries nationwide. RILA also strongly opposes the reduction of IMLS staff to a level that makes it unable to fulfill its statutory duties. As library workers, we are concerned about the implications that the elimination of IMLS funding and staffing will have on Rhode Island libraries and its residents.
Now is the time to advocate for continued library funding by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to protect federal funding for libraries. Let them know that funding and services provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services are critical to your library and the community you serve!
This is your association. As Rhode Islanders, your voice is important.
Resources:
Read OLIS’ FAQ on the impact of the March 14 Executive Order on IMLS.
Read OLIS’ Summary on March 14 Executive Order on IMLS.
Read the statement from the American Library Association.
National Campaigns:
Show Up For Our Libraries (ALA)
SaveIMLS.org campaign (EveryLibrary)
