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In Library World, the word on everybody’s lips is “lawsuit.” Read on for more information about how we’re using the judicial system to fight for library funding.
ALA and 21 States Sue the Trump Administration
Right now, the biggest news in the library world has been the American Library Association announcing that they were suing the Trump administration (including Trump himself, IMLS acting director Keith Sonderling, and DOGE) for their actions against the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The lawsuit argues that the administration’s actions were both illegal and unconstitutional, and in a statement released by ALA, ALA President Cindy Hohl said,
“Libraries play an important role in our democracy, from preserving history to providing access to government information, advancing literacy and civic engagement, and offering access to a variety of perspectives. These values are worth defending.”
But wait! There’s more! The day before ALA filed their lawsuit, attorneys general from 21 states (including Illinois—way to go, IL!) filed their own lawsuit against the Trump administration’s actions against IMLS, stating,
“Whatever the President’s policy preferences, he cannot override the congressional enactments that authorize federal agencies, appropriate funds for them to administer, and define how they must operate. If permitted to stand, the shredding of these statutorily mandated agencies will inflict immediate and irreparable harms on the Plaintiff States, their residents, and the public at large.”
No legal ruling has been issued as of the time of writing.
The Impact on Libraries Across the Country
Meanwhile, a number of libraries (including state libraries) have reported chaos and uncertainty surrounding staffing, services, and grants. It’s important that libraries communicate to the public that these budget cuts are happening because the federal government has taken action against IMLS. Full stop.
Here are a few of the most recent reports from across the country:
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So, Uh…What Else Has Been Happening With Libraries?
Shockingly, I did manage to round up some library stories that weren’t tied directly to the political chaos in DC. Here’s a palate cleanser for you:
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