1. United States
2. N.M.
3. Letter

I write to you as someone whose life has been profoundly shaped by libraries (institutions that embody the freedom to learn, grow, and participate in democracy). I urge you to oppose any efforts to defund libraries, including the recent Executive Order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and to safeguard federal and state support for New Mexico’s libraries. At age 12, my formal education ended when I was pulled out of school to work full-time. Libraries became my sanctuary. They gave me access to books, online resources, and quiet spaces to study (tools I used to earn my Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification). Today, I work in Pharmacy Information Technology, a field that demands continuous learning. Without libraries, I would never have had the chance to build this career or contribute to my community. My story is not unique. Libraries are lifelines for countless New Mexicans denied equitable access to education. Libraries are foundational to democracy. As highlighted by the New Mexico Humanities Council, they: 1. Foster Informed Citizenship: Free access to diverse perspectives empowers voters and combats misinformation. 2. Resist Censorship: Libraries protect intellectual freedom, ensuring marginalized voices are heard. 3. Bridge Inequities: From rural broadband access to job-seeker programs, libraries level the playing field for underserved communities. The Executive Order targeting IMLS threatens to dismantle these critical services IMLS funding supports: - Early literacy programs for children - Digital resources for rural areas - Career development workshops Defunding IMLS would disproportionately harm New Mexico, where libraries already struggle with limited resources. As the ALA notes, IMLS uses just 0.003% of the federal budget to sustain 1.2 billion library visits nationwide—a small investment with immeasurable returns. I implore you to: 1. Oppose the Executive Order and defend IMLS funding 2. Support the ALA’s lawsuit challenging this overreach 3. Advocate for increased state and federal library funding. Libraries are not luxuries, they are the bedrock of democracy and equity. For those of us denied formal education, they are a path to dignity, opportunity, and hope. Thank you for your commitment to our community and attention to this urgent issue.