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Numerous libraries across Alabama rely on state and federal funding to get by, but recent developments at the national level are threatening to eliminate the source of funds.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 14 that the “the non-statutory components and functions” of seven agencies including the Institute for Museum and Library Services “shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”
Chris Warren, director of the Dothan-Houston County Library System, said losing federal funds would disproportionately impact rural systems, some of which have used federal funding just to put books on the shelves.
The IMLS distributes about $3 million to the Alabama Public Library Service each year, with approximately 60 percent funding statewide library initiatives and the other 40 percent being distributed to local libraries through competitive grants.
A cut to that funding could threaten statewide programs such as Homework Alabama and the library for the blind and physically handicapped. It could also cause many smaller libraries other than reduce or cut their access to digital services like Hoopla.
If the funding to states isn’t cut, another executive order that prevents federal funding from being used to promote “gender ideology.”
The APLS board voted to have Chairman John Wahl, who also chairs the Alabama GOP, to send a letter to its member libraries notifying them of the executive order and how it could affect their federal funding.
Arts groups have sued the National Endowment for the Arts to stop the government agency from implementing that executive order. The NEA agreed to remove a requirement that artists certify they will not “promote gender ideology” while the case is being fought in court.
New acting director of the IMLS Keith Sonderling said in a press release that he is “committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this Administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation.”
“We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism, and cultivate love of country in future generations,” Sonderling said.
