Federal, State Funding Cuts Threaten Libraries Across Multiple US States

Federal funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), enacted by a March executive order from President Donald Trump, have created significant financial uncertainty for libraries across the United States, particularly those serving vulnerable populations and in rural areas. Multiple states, including California, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, have expressed concerns that these cuts jeopardize essential services like the California State Library’s Braille and Talking Book Library, digital literacy programs in Ohio, and resource-sharing platforms such as Michigan’s MeLCat. While a federal court temporarily blocked the funding cuts following lawsuits, the future of library funding remains uncertain, complicating planning and operations. At the state level, budget and property tax reforms are compounding the problem, as seen in Indiana, where libraries face substantial revenue losses from both property tax reductions and limited local income tax allocations. Library officials warn that these financial pressures threaten to curtail access to educational resources, technology training, and community services, disproportionately impacting small, rural, and print-disabled communities. The situation highlights the broader tension between tax reform efforts and the preservation of public services critical to lifelong learning and accessibility.