1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am writing to ask you to take swift action to defend the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) against efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle it through executive order. As the only federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and museums across the United States, IMLS provides essential funding for services that millions of Americans rely on—especially in rural and underserved areas. These include early literacy initiatives, summer reading programs, broadband internet access, job assistance, veteran telehealth centers, and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The executive order not only threatens the agency’s funding, but has also placed its staff on administrative leave. This unjustified attack will devastate the infrastructure of our library systems and cut off resources that help bridge the digital divide, support educational development, and create economic opportunity. I urge you to speak out in defense of IMLS and work to ensure its funding is preserved. Protecting libraries means protecting our communities, our values, and our future.