1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a critically important federal agency that provides essential funding and support for public libraries and museums throughout the United States. Its funding through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) enables libraries across the nation to offer invaluable services and resources to their communities, including internet access, educational programs, job training resources, and much more. However, the President's proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year threatens to eliminate the IMLS entirely, putting over $200 million in annual funding for libraries at risk. This drastic cut would severely undermine the ability of libraries to serve as vital community hubs and repositories of knowledge, severely limiting access to educational opportunities, technological resources, and cultural enrichment for millions of Americans. Libraries play an indispensable role in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and equal access to information for people of all ages and backgrounds, and their continued operation is essential for fostering an informed, educated, and engaged citizenry. We strongly urge you to protect the IMLS and its crucial funding for fiscal year 2025 and beyond, ensuring that libraries can continue to fulfill their vital mission of enriching American communities and empowering individuals through access to knowledge and resources. The loss of IMLS funding would be a devastating blow to the educational, cultural, and economic fabric of our nation, and it is imperative that we safeguard these invaluable public institutions for generations to come.