Speak Up For Libraries

What’s at Stake for Wisconsin Libraries?

On March 14, the President signed an executive order that led to the shutdown of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This small federal agency, with around 70 employees, provides funding to museums and libraries nationwide. In 2024, Wisconsin was allocated $3.2 million in IMLS grants.

On March 31, 2025, all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) employees were placed on administrative leave, with access to their work systems blocked. The President replaced the agency’s leadership with the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Without leadership and staff, it’s expected that library funding will be halted.

This action puts crucial services at risk across the country—and especially here in Wisconsin. Federal law requires IMLS to provide support to public libraries, but that support is currently only guaranteed through September 2025.

For more information on what this means for Wisconsin libraries and what you can do, visit https://mywisconsinlibrary.org/. Advocating for your local library is crucial right now!