Funding for Our Libraries Is in Danger

The Trump Administration has placed the employees of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on leave in an attempt to eliminate the Institute. The New York State Library receives $8.1 million from the IMLS, which they use to support New York's 7000 public libraries. The loss of these funds will affect all of New York's 72 library systems, including Clinton-Essex-Franklin and its member libraries. The services supported by the IMLS include technology classes for people seeking jobs and library delivery for older Americans. It also provides grants to support special library programs, as well as basic library operations. Funding for libraries comprises less than 0.003% of the federal budget, but is critically important for libraries.

 Several states, including New York, have filed a lawsuit aimed at stopping the elimination of the IMLS; however, citizens need to get involved as well. Please read this information on the American Library Association's website to learn what you can do to help stop this action and preserve all of the current services at the E.M. Cooper Library and our other local libraries.