TLA Statement: Executive Order to Eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services

On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued an executive order to eliminate the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Millions of Texans rely on library services and programs supported by IMLS funds.

Texas receives $12.5 million annually which provides funding for technology classes for jobseekers; resources to support community learning and entrepreneurship; audiobooks for Texans with visual or reading disabilities; reading programs for families; computer training for seniors; digitization of Texas’ historical archives to make them available to the public; e-books for small community libraries; and grants to support telehealth programs and other critical outreach.

The federal funding, which accounts for 33% of the total Texas State Library and Archives Commission budget, provides resources and programs that reach every county and almost every community in Texas.

• 508 public libraries serving more than 27 million Texans
• 849 school districts serving 5 million students
• 164 colleges and universities serving 4 million students
• 27,839 Texans with visual and physical reading disabilities

Although the President cannot fully eliminate IMLS without Congressional approval, his order makes it clear that it is his goal to do so. IMLS funding accounts for less than 0.003% of the annual federal budget but has an enormous impact on communities across our state and the country.

Congress must understand how important IMLS is to our communities and that it is an essential investment in the quality of life of Texans. Therefore, we need library supporters to make their voices heard by contacting their members of Congress.

Approved by the TLA Executive Board, March 31, 2025