The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) strengthens communities through funding library programs locally and nationally
A statement from Tacoma Public Library
An Executive Order announced on March 14, 2025, seeks to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) along with six other federal agencies. On March 31, 2025 all IMLS staff were placed on administrative leave further jeopardizing critical library and museum programs and services across the country including our own state library. IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting library services across the United States. Through grantmaking, research, and policy development, IMLS strengthens America’s museums and libraries, ensuring they continue to provide vital resources to communities nationwide.
Despite receiving less than 0.003% of the federal budget, IMLS funding plays a crucial role in expanding access to essential services nationwide. Examples include high-speed internet for rural areas, Braille books for visually impaired individuals, and electronic resources that support students, researchers, and job seekers.
IMLS support for Washington State
Although TPL is primarily funded through the City of Tacoma’s general fund, we (along with other libraries in Washington) benefit from IMLS-funded resources provided through the Washington State Library. As Washington State Librarian Sara Jones stated in a recent KING5 interview, the Washington State Library receives $3.9 million from IMLS that is then distributed to public and institutional libraries to fund digital collections, services, project funding, and more.
IMLS support for Tacoma Public Library
TPL has received grant funding directly from IMLS for special projects.
In August 2021, TPL’s Northwest Room was awarded a two-year grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services to establish a Community Archives Center. TPL partnered with the community to digitize images and documents, record oral histories aimed at moving our city toward a more inclusive historical record. Grant funding also led to the creation of the Community Archives Center Toolkit, a guide for libraries interested in pursuing community archives projects in their own communities.
Further Learning and Advocacy
IMLS is an impactful and efficient organization as such we hope these decisions will be reconsidered. To learn more the American Library Association has provided learning and advocacy resources regarding the potential impacts of this executive order:
