In the shadow of the executive order aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, the Trump administration unleashed another attack on a vital public institution, the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Created in 1996 and annually funded by Congress, this independent agency played a crucial role as the primary source for federal funding of museums and libraries in the United States. This agency enriched lives across the country through grants that create engaging local, regional, and national programs. On Thursday, March 20, a new acting director was appointed with zero experience in either the library or museum fields. It is clear his appointment is meant to facilitate the shuttering of this valued agency.
These continued efforts to defund and dismantle educational and cultural public resources will negatively impact the quality of life in communities across the country, and it will make it easier to hide the truth and rewrite history.
We denounce this attack on libraries, museums, and the essential dissemination of accurate information by the administration. We oppose this assault on our democracy. We stand by the belief that public libraries improve the lives of Americans, regardless of their race, wealth, sexuality, ethnicity, gender, or citizenship status. We will not go quietly in the dark, and we ask that you join us at this critical moment.
Current Board Members
Virginia Bloom, Madhurima Chakraborty, Susanne Fairfax, Ted Foss, Matthew Fruth, Maya Ganguly, Kristina Rogers
Former Board Members
Jim Egeberg, Steve Fruth, Lane Hart, Janet Kelenson, Carmenza Millan, Mary Anne Mohanraj