As the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries, IMLS provides more than $189.3 million for libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act. In Michigan, more than $8.5 million has been awarded through competitive grant programs that help museums and libraries offer learning experiences, support community and civic engagement, care for collections, and provide digital access to content since 2011. Through the Grants to States Program, the largest grant program run by IMLS, Michigan was allotted more than $4.5 million in FY 20.

This IMLS funding is critical to supporting programs aimed at improving literacy, including Michigan Reads! and Every Child Ready to Read; continuing education for library staff; Michigan's eLibrary (MeL) the State of Michigan’s digital library including MeLCat, a shared state-wide catalog representing more than 440 participating libraries; as well as grant programs for libraries that increase access and create and strengthen partnerships with community groups.

The President’s FY 2021 budget request is the first step in a long appropriations process. We ask all library supporters to please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives today and urge them to preserve the only federal funding programs for libraries and museums!

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