Next week is National Library Week—a time to recognize how libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. Whether through books, digital resources, technology assistance, or creative programs, libraries are a cornerstone of thriving communities.
Yet, as we look forward to celebrating National Library Week here locally, we’re also receiving many questions about how changes at the national level may affect Fondulac District Library.
Libraries depend on crucial funding and support to provide essential services. While Fondulac District Library is mostly supported by local tax dollars, state funding and federal programs also are vital to our mission of providing broad access to materials that enrich, engage, and educate. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent federal agency that supports libraries, archives, and museums in all 50 states and U.S. territories. In 2024, the total amount awarded by IMLS to museums, libraries, and archives was $266.7 million — or 0.003 percent of the federal budget, and 75 cents per capita.
On March 14, an Executive Order directed that IMLS be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law” and “reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.” The announcement also orders the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) “to the extent consistent with applicable law and except insofar as necessary to effectuate an expected termination, reject funding requests for such governmental entities to the extent they are inconsistent with this order.” On March 31, IMLS placed its entire staff – about 70 employees- on administrative leave.
Fondulac District Library does not receive income directly from IMLS. However, our library and our community benefit greatly from programs and services for which it does provide funding.
This fiscal year, Illinois received $5.7 million of the $180 million that the IMLS’s Grants to States Program distributes. The Illinois State Library uses those funds to offer reading and literacy programs, training, technology access, materials, vital grants, and more. These funds help sustain the operations of all public, school, academic, and special libraries in the state. Our library has received IMLS-funded grants in the past to improve collections and services, to offer new technologies, to educate librarians and trustees for their roles, and more.
However, the sharing of collections and delivery of interlibrary loan materials are the services partially funded by IMLS investment that impact our patrons the most. Of the $5.7 million Illinois receives from IMLS, $2.5 million directly supports the delivery of books and materials for interlibrary loan services—helping to connect readers to the resources they need and to make more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Around a third of the funds necessary to provide delivery service currently comes from IMLS funding. If Illinois libraries were to have purchased the 11 million items moved through delivery in the last fiscal year (rather than borrowing them from another library), they would have had to pay close to $200 million. Return-on-investment for the service is about 3000%, showing an undoubtedly efficient and effective use of funds.
Last fiscal year, Fondulac District Library’s patrons borrowed around 13,000 items that were sent to the library via delivery. That conservatively accounts for about $235,000 worth of materials, if using an average cost of $18 per item. We lent nearly 14,000 items last year worth about $260,000. Around 650,000 items worth nearly $12 million were moved just within central Illinois between libraries using the RSAcat catalog.
Access to books and other materials from other libraries across Illinois is one of the most valued, cost-saving offerings FDL has for our patrons, and state and federally-funded delivery service is a necessary component. If you've ever borrowed a book from another library though the RSAcat catalog or through interlibrary loan, you know how convenient and important this service is.
At this time, it is unclear how the Executive Order may impact current funds or future grant rounds. In 2025, Congress will need to vote to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act, under which IMLS is established, because it expires in September.
We understand that this is a confusing and continually evolving situation. While we cannot predict what the outcomes of IMLS disinvestment would be, we hope providing more information about their current local impact provides more understanding. Fondulac District Library is committed to serving our community. Whether or not we continue to receive support from IMLS through the Illinois State Library, we will always work to continue our mission with the resources we have available.
Here are some additional resources to help you better understand the situation and its potential effect on libraries:
- Read the full text of the Executive Order.
- Learn more about the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Read Reaching Across Illinois Library System’s Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact report.
- Contact your state and national elected officials for more information or to express your opinion. You can find their contact information at usa.gov or congress.gov.