Libraries across the United States are facing a quiet but devastating crisis. In the wake of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), millions in federal grants have been abruptly frozen, sparking layoffs, program suspensions, and widespread loss of access to digital resources.
The order, issued on March 14, led to the dismissal of most IMLS staff and left state libraries reeling. Although courts have temporarily blocked the agency’s full shutdown, the damage is already done. From Maine to Mississippi, public libraries are being forced to scale back vital services.
The state library closed temporarily in Maine after losing nearly a fifth of its staff. Mississippi halted its Hoopla e-book service, while South Dakota suspended its interlibrary loan network. These programs, many supported by IMLS grants, are lifelines, especially for small, rural libraries with tight budgets.
“This came as quite a surprise to all of us,” said Spencer Davis, one of eight Maine State Library workers laid off this May. IMLS had fully funded his position.
The grants traditionally support programs like summer reading, digital lending, and interlibrary collaborations. Without them, entire communities are cut off from essential educational resources. “Providing digital sources is becoming too expensive for most libraries,” said Cindy Hohl, president of the American Library Association.
California, Connecticut, and Washington were among the few states officially informed that their funding had been revoked. In response, all three filed formal objections.
Beyond digital access, the funding freeze has also impacted professional development programs, such as the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian initiative, which trains future librarians.
With lawsuits now filed by 21 state attorneys general and the ALA, the future of IMLS hangs in the balance. But for many libraries, the loss is already being felt.
