Preserve DOE IMLS - Library Grants to States Program

Please ensure that the Department of Education Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States program isn’t slashed by the current administration.  For over 50 years the DOE IMLS Grants to States funds have been used to meet the needs of children, parents, teenagers, adult learners, senior citizens, the unemployed, and the business community.  One of the program’s statutory priorities is to address underserved communities and persons having difficulty using a library, and approximately ten percent of grant funds in recent years have supported library services for the blind and physically handicapped. The program also meets the needs of the current and future library workforce. Examples of the types of programs supported: Workshops to help elders and their families avoid fraud Computer literacy programs aimed at helping the unemployed build skills Early literacy programs for young children to give them a better start in life  Coding workshops to enhance digital literacy skills Health and wellness workshops to help families navigate medical situations Initiatives to get kids moving and eating healthy through gardening programs. Making the library and library resources accessible to all Libraries are an excellent investment. While much of the impact libraries have on their communities is intangible, studies have shown that for every dollar invested in public libraries, communities have realized a $5 return.  Source info and information about programs in your state : https://www.imls.gov/find-funding/funding-opportunities/grants-to-states-overview (Legislation for this program 20 U.S.C. § 9141)