1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Libraries across California are facing severe funding cuts that threaten essential programs and services, after the Trump administration abruptly terminated a key federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The California State Library has lost at least $3 million, jeopardizing programs like early literacy initiatives for low-income families, summer reading programs, online high school diploma courses, and workforce skills training for at-risk youth. This ill-advised decision fails to recognize the immense value libraries provide in fostering education, creativity, and community belonging. The disproportionate impact of these cuts is extremely concerning. Libraries are vital community hubs that provide free access to information, technology, and educational resources for all, especially underserved populations. Slashing their funding undermines efforts to bridge opportunity gaps and promote an informed, literate society. We cannot allow short-sighted policies to deprive millions of Californians, including the most vulnerable, of the transformative benefits libraries offer. I urge you to take immediate action to protect and restore funding for California's libraries. Federal support is crucial for maintaining programs that uplift our communities and expand access to knowledge. Libraries are not a luxury – they are an essential public good deserving of robust investment. Stand up for the rights of all Californians to high-quality library services by opposing these destructive cuts and fighting to reinstate the crucial funding our libraries need to thrive.