The stopgap measure ensures funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) restarts as employees return to work. Likewise, IMLS will resume administering state library grants that support widely popular programs here in Michigan, like MeL and MeLCat. However, the fight to secure IMLS funding in the FY2026 budget is far from over.

The recently passed Continuing Resolution funds only three of 12 appropriation bills for FY2026, which means Congress will need to pass nine spending bills for most government programs, including IMLS, or face yet another shutdown on February 1, 2026.

The American Library Association is urging library supporters to contact Congress members and remind them why federal support for libraries is so crucial. We know our members and library supporters here in Michigan have been vocal all year in support of IMLS funding in the face of funding threats, but now is not the time to pause. As Congress considers the remaining appropriation bills for FY2026, it’s vital that we show up to support federal funding for libraries.