Elsa Winch

Lock Haven

On March 31, 2025, federal funding for our public libraries is being eliminated; gutted by a March 14, Executive Order by the President. This EO directs the new acting director of the IMLS (appointed by the President and DOGE) to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS is an independent federal agency staffed by about 75 federal workers, and is the largest, and only, federal agency dedicated to funding library services. President Bill Clinton signed the Museum and Library Services Act in 1996. The agency was established by a Republican-led Congress.

The IMLS gave out approximately $266.7 million to state library systems in 2024, or .0046% of the federal budget. Although it is a small agency, with a very small percentage of the federal budget, its range is wide: In 2024, Pennsylvania received $5.6 million through the Library Services and Technology Act. Many regular library users in Clinton County (Friendship, Renovo and Ross libraries), have never heard of the IMLS, which is partly by design. IMLS funding moves through state-level library systems, based on guidelines set by law, as well as by local, state and state library system decision leaders.

The Pennsylvania State library uses IMLS funds to pay for the databases and subscriptions to digital resources you find under the “Research and Resources” tab on the Ross Library webpage (rosslibrary.org). This tab leads you to ebook and digital audiobook services provided by Libby and to electronic resources like PowerLibrary’s databases for research and learning. These resources are not creations of Ross or any of our Pennsylvania libraries, but of third party systems that license access to materials statewide. Without the help of the IMLS, libraries like ours would have to pay for that access, which we likely could not afford in our budget.

IMLS funding helps to support Interlibrary loan services, Summer Library programs, (see the “Ross Youth” tab and the Renovo Library’s web page at rosslibrary.org), and Library Staff training and professional development. Trained library staff direct all library users to reliable information, help library users with special needs, promote early literacy and STEM learning initiatives, including programming for IMLS funded literacy programs in finance, health and technology. It cannot be overlooked that Staff training programs of our county’s library staff lift up our community and make our libraries hubs for community outreach.

Clinton County libraries are a primary means of connecting county residents to reliable information, and provide many opportunities for lifelong learning and civic engagement. People who have used Ross, Renovo and Friendship libraries have directly benefited from grants, programs or initiatives funded or supported by the IMLS. The EO, as it stands, would eliminate future funds. Loss of the IMLS funding could mean Clinton County Libraries will not be able to renew services funded by the IMLS. Our Pennsylvania District and State libraries’ budgets are tight; it is possible these library systems will have to make cuts in some areas to replace critical IMLS funding.

What can you do? Please continue to support your Clinton County Library. Library use demonstrates the important role libraries play in Clinton County. Please contact our Representatives in Congress and tell them to protect our libraries.