1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am gutted by the decision to suspend grants from the IMLS to the California State Library. I am a library worker at a California public library and I will be starting my first semester of grad school for my MLIS. I was really counting on applying for the tuition reimbursement from the state library. I’m so deeply disappointed and heart broken. The California State Library has said they’ll look for alternative funding to continue vital services. But that’s still very worrying. I love working in libraries. I love when we have story times for young children and I get to watch the parents become friends and build community. I know how isolating parenting can be sometimes. And we provide them that space. I love seeing the excitement of children when they find a book they love. Knowing that we’re creating life long readers. I love looking around and seeing our tables filled with students and unhoused people, and people charging their phones or just sitting and reading in peace. We do so much good for our community. And I’m so proud to be a part of that! Please stop this attack on libraries and museums and the important work we do. Thank you