Michigan Library Association

IMLS Update: Current Status and Next Steps

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has seen partial restoration of operations following a federal court ruling in Rhode Island v. Trump. On May 13, Judge John J. McConnell Jr. issued a preliminary injunction halting the administration’s efforts to dismantle IMLS under Executive Order 14238, which had terminated staff and grants in March. The court mandated the reinstatement of employees and grant programs, prompting the administration to report progress by May 20, including the return of staff members and the restoration of competitive grants in the 21 plaintiff states.

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.

Thursday, March 27, 2025 12:00 AM

Take Action to Save IMLS Today!

Yesterday, a bipartisan group of senators—Jack Reed, Kirsten Gillibrand, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—sent a letter to the new director of the IMLS. These senators are the co-authors of the last act that reauthorized IMLS. The letter urges Sonderling to continue IMLS’s mission to engage with and support libraries and museums, as Congress intended when it created the agency. Read the letter here.

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Nominations for the 2026 Michigan Library Awards Due July 31

We’ve extended the deadline! There’s still time to shine a spotlight on the outstanding people and libraries making a difference across Michigan. MLA Award nominations are now due Friday, July 31!

Written by Amber Sheerin

Note From Amber

When intellectual freedom makes headlines, it's usually because a library is reacting to a challenge. But the work of protecting the freedom to read doesn't begin when a book is challenged or a policy is questioned. It starts with preparation, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to ensuring every Michigander has the freedom to access information and explore new ideas and perspectives.

That belief was at the heart of the Michigan Intellectual Freedom Summit, where library leaders, trustees, educators, legal experts, and advocates came together in June for two days of conversation, collaboration, and planning. This wasn't designed to be a traditional conference where people listened to presentations and went home. It was a working summit. We asked participants to think deeply about today's challenges, imagine what might be coming next, and help MLA shape a stronger statewide approach to protecting intellectual freedom.

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