In uncertain times when much is unknown, libraries and library organizations must focus on what we can do. A prime example is promoting the massive positive impact of statewide library services including the Indiana State Library’s (ISL) INSPIRE and InfoExpress, and the Library of Michigan’s (LM) MeL eResources and MeLCat (which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025; LM invites you to share your MeLCat story). The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) provides funding to these and many other important and impactful state library initiatives across the nation. 

National, statewide, and local news outlets including Bridge Michigan and the Detroit Free Press have reported on the impact to libraries and museums that a loss of federal funding would have. Some libraries including Pulaski County Public Library (IN) have posted statements about the direct impact of IMLS funding cuts. Library, museum, and other cultural memory organizations have written statements and other communication about how important IMLS and other federal agencies are to delivering services to United States citizens. Examples include: 

• A joint statement on IMLS from Michigan libraries, museums, and archives 
• ILF Statement to the Library Community Regarding the Defunding of IMLS  
• ALA’s FAQ: Executive Order Targeting IMLS  
• A joint statement from ARSL, PLA, and ULC 
• A statement from ArtsMidwest 
• EveryLibrary’s Statement 
• A statement from PEN America 

Some organizations and groups including ALA, Senators Jack Reed, Kirsten Gillibrand, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, and the National Museum and Library Services Board have written letters to IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling advocating for IMLS to continue providing funding as required by law. Representatives Dina Titus and Suzanne Bonamici circulated a letter in the House of Representatives to garner support for IMLS. MLA, EveryLibrary, and others are urging taking action, and offer draft phone call scripts and more.  

As a federal 501(c)(3) organization that receives federal funding directly and indirectly, MCLS is limited in advocacy we may do directly. Individual citizens can and are taking action to influence the federal government to continue funding libraries and other cultural memory organizations.  

Another thing we can do is to continue collaborating and gathering, as happened on March 12 at the Michigan Digital Preservation Network (MDPN)’s virtual ribbon-cutting to officially launch the Network. Other upcoming gatherings where you’ll find MCLS staff include: 

• The CNI Spring 2025 Membership Meeting (April 7-8, Milwaukee, WI) 
• The MCLS 2025 Spring eResources meeting (April 24, online) 
• LM’s Michigan Notable Books Night for Notables Reception (April 26, Lansing, MI) 
• Michigan Library Advocacy Day (April 30, Lansing, MI) 
• The MiALA Annual Conference (May 18-20, Flint, MI) 
• MCLS’s Virtual Dialogue on the future of technology in libraries (May 22, online) 
• The ALA Annual Conference 2025 (June 26-30, Philadelphia, PA) 
• Indiana Freadom to Read (IN FREADOM)’s conversation with author John Green (June 30, Indianapolis, IN) 

MCLS is focusing on what we can do. If you have questions about how MCLS can help, contact me anytime at garrisons@mcls.org.