Advocate for IMLS

Issues in Librarianship

In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at further downsizing federal agencies. One of those targeted is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the organization responsible for administering crucial grants to state and local libraries. Later that month, the entire IMLS staff was placed on administrative leave for up to 90 days, forcing a pause on all of the agency's grant activities—including the disbursal of already-granted FY2025 funds. This page provides some resources to help our members and other stakeholders advocate on behalf of IMLS and the vital work they do.

Resources for Advocacy

Speaking to Patrons & the Public

One-Pager on Illinois’ IMLS Funding History & Library Facts – American Library Association
This one-page document provides information on how much money Illinois receives from the IMLS in state grants and where that money goes. This is a helpful complement to our IMLS benefits infographic flyers.

IMLS Benefits Infographic Flyers from IHLS and RAILS

Speaking to Public Library Trustees

One-Pager on Illinois’ IMLS Funding History & Library Facts – American Library Association
This one-page document provides information on how much money Illinois receives from the IMLS in state grants and where that money goes. This is a helpful complement to our IMLS benefits infographic flyers.

Trustee-Facing IMLS Informational Flyers from IHLS and RAILS

Speaking to Elected Leaders Beyond the Library

Save the Institute of Museum & Library Services – 5 Calls
With an app and a website, 5 Calls provides the resources to help Americans more easily contact their representatives about issues that matter to them. Enter your address, and you’ll find a list of your representatives with their phone numbers and a script on the IMLS issue–provided by the American Library Association. Click to call the numbers and read the script. It’s that easy.

Getting Started – American Library Association
This webpage provides resources and guidance on engaging elected officials in any form of library advocacy. From tips on building a relationship to guidance on inviting legislators for an in-person or virtual library tour, this toolkit is a must-have for any library advocacy effort.

Take Action To Save Federal Funding for Libraries! – EveryLibrary Action
This page provides four ways (letter, email, petition, and donation) to act on behalf of IMLS. The page also gathers every article EveryLibrary has written about IMLS in one place, so users have ready access to information about the benefits of IMLS.

Trump’s Trying to Gut Libraries: Fight Back with the American Library Association
Fill out this webform to send an email to your representatives. It writes it for you and even notifies them if you want a response.

One-Pager on Illinois’ IMLS Funding History & Library Facts – American Library Association
This one-page document provides information on how much money Illinois receives from the IMLS in state grants and where that money goes. This is a helpful complement to our IMLS benefits infographic flyers.

IMLS Benefits Infographic Flyers from IHLS and RAILS

Toolkits, Talking Points, & Sources

Library Advocacy – Illinois Library Association
Some of the resources available through ILA include finding your representatives, top ten advocacy tips, and advocacy toolkits.

EveryLibrary
EveryLibrary is the PAC that supports libraries of all types in local, state, and federal elections. They provide information about political activity, pro bono campaign consulting, access to petitions, and more. The EveryLibrary Institute engages in research to support libraries.

Updates and Resources on the Impacts of Executive Orders – American Alliance of Museums
This webpage provides timely updates on the IMLS issue and various resources for advocacy. The page also shares guidance on what to do when your federal grant has been terminated.

Understanding & Staying Updated on the Issue

FAQ: Executive Order Targeting IMLS – American Library Association
This set of frequently asked questions is for library workers, library advocates, and library users seeking to understand this Executive Order.

Speak Out for Libraries – American Library Association
This is where you sign up to receive timely advocacy alerts and updates on policy issues that impact library services from ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office.

For additional resources including a timeline and some news sources, see the RAILS Library Pulse page on this issue and subscribe to the IHLS Official Business mailing list for updates from us and information about an upcoming online event on advocating for IMLS! 

 

Infographic Flyers About IMLS & Illinois

Central & Southern Illinois Benefits

Legislator-Facing

How does IMLS funding benefit your constituents? Six hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars in system grants go to support fast, free interlibrary loan delivery five days a week. That translates to fifty million dollars in taxpayer savings. With drivers driving one-point-one million miles a year to five hundred and twenty libraries serving two million, one hundred and sixty thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine central and southern Illinois residents. That translates to a total savings of twenty-five dollars per checkout, forty dollars per mile driven, and twenty-four dollars per resident. One hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars to train public library trustees for the better use of taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, IMLS equals 0.0046 percent of the federal budget.

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Patron- & Public-Facing

What does IMLS funding mean for central and southern Illinois? Six hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars in system grants go to support fast, free interlibrary loan delivery five days a week. That translates to fifty million dollars in taxpayer savings. For every dollar spent on resource sharing, central and southern Illinoisans see four-point three items delivered, one-point seven miles driven, and three-point four residents served. Deliveries driven one-point-one million miles a year to five hundred and twenty libraries serving two million, one hundred and sixty thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine central and southern Illinois residents. One hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars to train public library trustees for the better use of taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, IMLS equals 0.0046 percent of the federal budget.

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Statewide Benefits

Statewide General Audience

How does IMLS funding benefit Illinois residents? Two-point-five thousand dollars in system grants go to support fast, free interlibrary loan delivery statewide. That translates to two hundred and thirty million dollars in taxpayer savings. With drivers driving two-point-two million miles a year to one thousand, seven hundred and forty-one libraries serving twelve million, eight hundred twelve thousand, five hundred and eight Illinois residents. That translates to a total savings of twenty dollars per checkout, one hundred and five dollars per mile driven, and eighteen dollars per resident. One hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars to train public library trustees for the better use of taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, IMLS equals 0.0046 percent of the federal budget.

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Statewide Trustees Page 1

The Potential Impact of Funding Cuts for Illinois Libraries On March 14, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)“to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” What does this mean for libraries in Illinois? To have thriving communities, we need thriving libraries. Libraries are critical institutions for their communities. Funding cuts at any level have the potential to disrupt programs and services, including the interlibrary loan delivery service that transports over 11 million items statewide per year. Libraries and the Federal Budget In 2024, the total amount awarded by IMLS to museums, libraries, and archives was $266.7 million—or just 0.0046% of the federal budget and 75 cents per capita. More Than Just Books Libraries provide services for the most vulnerable populations, including seniors, Young Children, People with disabilities, Jobseekers, People experiencing homelessness, Rural residents, Individuals with a language barrier, and Individuals in low-income households.

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Statewide Trustees Page 2

Library Funding in Illinois The most common way that libraries are funded in Illinois is through local property taxes. Most public libraries also receive grants from the Illinois State Library (such as the Per Capita and Equalization Grants), but those are typically a relatively small portion of their budget. Statewide Services $2.5 million to IHLS and RAILS for delivery/interlibrary loan, $1.8 million for OCLC’s WorldCat Discovery & FirstSearch services subscription, $166,000 for the iLEAD trustee learning and leadership portal, $100,000 to Illinois Libraries Present. Additional Funding $526,000 for Project Next Generation, $420,000 for Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for library materials Library Workforce Development $111,000 for public library director leadership training State Library Operations & Programs $80,000 for print subscriptions to support reference services

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Statewide Trustees Page 3

Advocating for Illinois Libraries There are many options for making your voice heard about the impact of these cuts. The following organizations are helping mobilize library advocacy efforts: American Library Association, Illinois Library Association, and EveryLibrary. Other tips As a trustee, you are an important voice for your local public library in the community. Talking about your experience at the library helps make the public more aware of the impact that the library has. Here are some more ideas to help amplify the value of the library: Talk to your elected representatives – federal, state, and local; Talk to your community about the benefits of a well-funded library; Share your story about why you serve as a public library trustee; Write your local newspaper about why your library is worth funding; or Encourage friends and neighbors to get their library card. The Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) are the two multitype library systems in Illinois. They provide: interlibrary loan delivery’ continuing education and consulting services, shared catalog and cataloging support, e-content services museum and attractions pass program, group purchases and vendor discounts, networking opportunities, and targeted grant funding. Funding for IHLS, RAILS, and Chicago Public Library System is provided through the Illinois State Library and the Secretary of State, with funds appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly. Brought to you by Illinois Heartland Library System & Reaching Across Illinois Library System. For more information: IHLS - 618.656.3216; ihls@illinoisheartland.org | RAILS - 630.734.5000; communications@railslibraries.org

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