1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's decision to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services is short-sighted and will deprive millions of Americans of vital resources and opportunities. Libraries serve as hubs for literacy, education, job assistance, and community enrichment across the country. Cutting off their meager federal funding undermines our nation's shared values of knowledge, lifelong learning, and upward mobility. While the IMLS budget comprises just 0.003% of federal spending, its impact is immense - facilitating over 1.2 billion library visits annually for programs like early reading initiatives, internet access, workforce training, and services for underserved populations. Rural communities stand to lose the most from this assault on their libraries. Dismantling the IMLS disregards the aspirations of those seeking to better themselves through libraries' resources and services. We urge reconsideration of this damaging decision that will reverberate through communities nationwide. Libraries deserve robust support as engines of opportunity, not draconian cuts that demean their essential role in society.