Federal Library Funding Update: Current Status and Next Steps

In April, the White House FY27 budget proposal once again recommended eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including only $6 million to shut down the agency. While concerning, this reflects the early stage of the federal budget process and does not determine final funding levels. Congress has repeatedly rejected similar proposals, and in FY26, maintained and modestly increased federal library funding.

Following the President’s budget release, Congress reviews agency requests through the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, which hold hearings and establish initial spending allocations. Subcommittees then draft funding bills (the Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittees are responsible for IMLS) that move through committee votes, full chamber consideration, and eventual negotiation between the House and Senate before a final appropriations package is enacted or a continuing resolution is passed to extend funding. On June 5, 2026, the House Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee advanced level funding for IMLS, and the Senate is expected to take up its version of the bill in mid-June.

The American Library Association (ALA) is leading federal library advocacy during this critical window, coordinating “Dear Appropriator” letters and urging advocates to contact their Senators directly in support of sustained investment in IMLS and other library programs. As appropriations work continues, these outreach efforts are focused on influencing funding decisions while they are actively being shaped in Congress over the coming weeks. Now is the time to contact your Senators—use ALA’s Call to Action to email your Senator today and tell them to #FundLibraries in next year's federal budget!

MLA will continue to monitor federal budget developments and share updates, context, and opportunities for engagement as Congress works toward final funding decisions.

TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR U.S. SENATORS