On Friday, March 14, the White House issued Executive Order 14238 that calls for the elimination of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) "to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law."
On Monday, March 31, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) put all of its approximately 75-employee workforce on paid administrative leave.
We are starting to receive questions about what this means for the Bedford Public Library.
What is the IMLS?
The IMLS is the only federal agency for libraries. It distributes Congressionally approved funds to state libraries and to library, museum, and archives programs in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
The IMLS represents about .005% of the federal budget, which translates into programs and services used in more than 1.2 billion in-person patron visits every year to libraries across the country, in addition to millions of visitors to museums.
How are IMLS funds used in New Hampshire?
In our state, the New Hampshire State Library currently relies on $1.5 million in IMLS grant funding to support several important services throughout the state, including:
• Interlibrary loan (ILL) program, including the state-wide online catalog & van service
• Talking Books/BARD services for persons who are blind or visually impaired
• Access to (Overdrive) Libby eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines
What does this mean for you?
In 2024, Bedford Library circulated 2,300 items to and from fellow NH libraries through interlibrary loans. Through this collaborative ILL system, NH libraries can share resources, thereby giving individuals, book groups, and homeschool educators in our communities access to materials they would not otherwise be able to obtain.
In 2024, Bedford patrons borrowed 36,000 ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through Libby.
As we receive updates from the New Hampshire State Library regarding the impacts of cuts to IMLS on state-wide services, we will do our best to keep the community apprised of any changes. Thank you for your concern and support.