Michigan's eLibrary and Federal Funding Threats

Since March of this year, libraries across the country have wrestled with federal funding uncertainty and the prospect of losing widely used programs and services funded by those dollars. 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only dedicated source of federal funding for public libraries, is facing funding threats from the federal administration, including attempts to shutter the agency via Executive Order and the federal budget appropriation process.

Here in Michigan, we stand to lose $4.8M in IMLS federal funds, putting Michigan’s eLibrary and statewide catalog, MeL and MeLCat, at risk of severe service disruptions.

The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) is the state’s free digital library, administered by the Library of Michigan, an agency of the Michigan Department of Education, in partnership with libraries statewide. MeL is funded by both state appropriations and federal funds through IMLS. 

Keep an eye on this page for the latest news to stay informed about the status of IMLS and federal funding, how this funding impacts local library services, and what you can do to help support your local library by advocating for Federal and State funding. 

While a lot of uncertainty remains, Michiganders are clear in their support for IMLS and IMLS-funded programs. In the June poll commissioned by MLA, 78% of respondents said that IMLS funding from the federal government should remain part of the federal budget.

If federal funding for libraries is no longer part of the federal budget, 82% of respondents said it is important for the State of Michigan to replace funding lost for libraries. These figures show strong support for the continuation of programs like MeL and MeLCat, and send a message to our federal and statewide legislators that these programs remain a priority for Michiganders.