Dear Editor,

We need all library supporters to write and call their members of Congress now and urge them to protect federal funding for libraries by preventing the dismantling of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (I-M-L-S). On March 14, President Trump issued an executive order to eliminate I-M-L-S, and in less than a week since issuing the order to eliminate I-M-L-S, the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the administration kicked off its attempt to wind down the agency’s functions. The White House named a new interim director from outside the agency, who has indicated his intent to operate “in lockstep with this Administration” in its efforts to gut this critical agency.

Do you treasure your library? Think about what would happen if it didn’t exist – how would you be affected without the books, programs, classes and services it provides? Do you rely on your library to access free information, print and audio-visual materials, e-books, databases, and the Internet? Has your library assisted you with job searching, skill-building or resume writing? How has your library supported your lifelong learning, regardless of your age or stage in life? Has your library been a vital resource for you or your community? What would your life and our community be like without our library?

If this order is allowed to stand, it will hurt millions of Americans, especially those in rural areas, who rely on our libraries. Library funding uses a tiny percentage of the annual federal budget, and yet I-M-L-S makes a real difference for Americans every day. I urge everyone to write and call your members of Congress demanding that they overturn the executive order and continue funding for I-M-L-S in the next fiscal year.

Sincerely,

Sharon Arpoika, President

Friends of the Oakdale Library