Dayton Library affected by federal funding cuts

To the editor,

Executive Order and IMLS

On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting the Institute for Museum and Library Services and six other government institutes. This executive order called on the IMLS to 1) eliminate all non-statutory components and functions, and 2) reduce the performance of those functions and associated personnel to the minimum required in order to function. On March 31st, all IMLS staff were placed on administrative leave; soon after, a skeleton crew was called back to the office. The entire board of directors has also been fired.

Federal funding for IMLS makes up approximately 0.003% of the annual federal budget.

Washington, along with two other states, have had their IMLS grants canceled as of April 3rd, 2025.

IMLS in Washington State

In 2024, Washington received approximately $3.9 million from IMLS, helping support:

• Libraries for the blind and print disabled, including the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL) 

• Institutional Library Services (ILS) providing resources and support to incarcerated and hospitalized patrons

• Broadband access to rural and under-served communities 

• Access to eBooks and other online resources, including the Washington Anytime Library 

• Workforce development resource to support job seekers and employers 

• Training for staff who provide Early Learning and Youth programming 

• Resources for Tribal Libraries, including digitization assistance 

• Professional development and continuing education for library staff

IMLS and the Columbia County Rural Library District

The President’s executive order concerning the Institute for Museum & Library Services will not affect the bulk of our services, as we are funded primarily through the county levy. 

In addition to the above losses affecting all of the state, CCRLD is also losing $12,661 in grants for library technology upgrades and professional development.

Sincerely,

Ellen Brigham, Director of Library Services,

Columbia County Rural Library District

Dayton, Wash.