Support Needed! Invest in Our Community’s Libraries; IMLS!

I am writing to you today as a concerned constituent to urge your strong support for full funding of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) in the FY2026 federal budget. Public libraries serve as the backbone of our communities, providing essential access to education, technology, and information for people of all ages and backgrounds. They are not merely places to borrow books; they are vital hubs that bridge the digital divide, support early literacy, preserve our local history, and offer safe, inclusive spaces for civic engagement. The LSTA, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides critical direct-to-state grants that enable local libraries to: • Provide high-speed internet and computer access to underserved populations. • Deliver essential literacy and job-training programs. • Support lifelong learning and community development initiatives. • Preserve cultural heritage and local archives. With the House Appropriations Committee currently working on the "Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Bill," the timing for advocacy is critical. Reducing or eliminating these federal investments would undermine the infrastructure of knowledge that supports our students, our workforce, and our democracy. I respectfully ask that you: 1 Sign on to the upcoming "Dear Appropriator" letter advocating for robust library funding levels for FY2026. 2 Champion the full restoration and increaseof LSTA and IAL grants to meet the growing needs of our constituents. 3 Visit your local library to witness firsthand the transformative impact of these federal investments on our community. Let us ensure that our libraries remain strong, accessible, and fully equipped to serve everyone. Please join the call to invest in the future of our communities by prioritizing library funding in the upcoming budget. Thank you for your time and your dedication to our community.