Federal funding cuts could impact South #Mississippi #library services

Aug. 7, 2025

GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - "The Harrison County Library System is asking for support to prevent further federal budget cuts.

"If a new round of federal funding cuts is approved, it would impact the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which is a federal agency and a major source of funding for local libraries.

"South Mississippi library officials said that cuts at the federal level could result in a loss of various services.

" 'We don’t want this to happen,' said Sarah Crisler-Ruskey, Director of the Harrison County Library System. “This will impact our ability to serve our patrons.'

"The federal funding helps provide #DigitalMaterials, #InterLibraryLoans to share books from other Mississippi #libraries, and grants for technology and programs.

" 'Libraries also help patrons access the #TalkingBook service. So if they are visually impaired or have a physical reason they can not hold a book, this is a free service that is funded by the same money,' said Crisler-Ruskey.

"The Harrison County Library System is asking people to contact their Mississippi congressmen and senators and let them know that the library is important to them."

https://www.wlox.com/2025/08/07/federal-funding-cuts-could-impact-south-mississippi-library-services/

#LibrariesRule #USPol #FundingCuts #LibrariesAreEssential #LibraryCuts
#LibraryServices #LoveOfReading
#BuildingCommunity #Literacy #SupportingResearch
#CriticalThinkingSkills

So yeah. This REALLY pisses me off! I have friends who work for the #MaineStateLibrary. Grrrrr....

Maine State Library issues layoffs, cites inability to access federal funding
The Maine State Library announced Wednesday 13 staff members, whose positions are supported by federal funding, were laid off.

April 9, 2025

"The Maine State Library announced layoffs on Wednesday, citing an ongoing inability to access federal funding.

"The announcement comes after President Donald #Trump signed an executive order in March deeming the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 'unnecessary' and slated to be dismantled, later placing the entire agency's staff on administrative leave.

"The Maine State Library said in a news release that IMLS funding represents 30 percent of its annual budget and has not received any communication from IMLS on if or when funding might be restored.

"The state library said it last received funds from its 2025 federal award advance through the IMLS on March 24.

"Thirteen employees whose positions are supported by federal funding have been laid off, the state library said. Those employees represent approximately 30 percent of Maine State Library staff.

"The Maine State Library said the layoffs could be rescinded if funding is restored.

"Starting on Thursday, the Maine State Library will close for a two-week reorganization period where its location at 242 State St. in Augusta will not be open to the public.

"'Losing access to this Federal funding harms Maine residents and will have negative consequences in communities across the state," Maine State Librarian #LoriFisher said in the release. 'Despite these significant cuts, the Maine State Library remains committed to advancing the mission of libraries in Maine and to serving every library patron to the best of our ability.'

"In 2024, the Maine State Library says it received $1,526,754 from the #IMLS Library Services and Technology Act Grants to States program which supports services including #HighSpeedInternet for public libraries; #InterlibraryLoans, #EBooks, and #audiobooks; services for #VisuallyImpaired patrons; and professional development for library staff.

"The library says it is continuing to evaluate the range of impacts on library services from the funding cuts and hopes to provide further updates as they become available.

"Following Trump's executive order, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey joined 20 other attorneys general in a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration from dismantling a handful of agencies, including the IMLS."

Read more:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-state-library-issues-layoffs-inability-access-federal-funding/97-3adb5f7f-a6c1-42fe-a519-dc849384dd99

#Libraries #LibrariesRule #LibraryOfThings #BannedBooks #CommunitySpaces #CentersOfLearning #SeedLibraries #Knowledge #CharacteristicsOfFascism #TrumpIsABully #FundLibrariesNotSpaceX