Federal funding cuts to impact local libraries

Local libraries begin to feel effects of funding cuts

Libraries across Florida are beginning to see the results of the defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), which lost federal funding after an Executive Order in March 2025.  Washington County Public Library Director Renae Rountree recently cautioned county residents about the impact the budget cuts would have on rural library systems, citing numerous services previously supported by IMLS.  “IMLS gives out money to states…

Federal funding cuts to impact local libraries

Golden Triangle libraries are raising concerns about the defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a small independent federal agency that provides resources and funding to museums and libraries across the country. These concerns come after the White House released the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which calls for the elimination of federal funding for IMLS, along with 15 other small agencies. The budget requests $6 …