IMLS Information

Background

On March 14, 2025, the White House issued an executive order, Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy. The order states, “the non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.” The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is one of seven federal agencies targeted by the order.

Minnesota State Library Services receives an annual allotment of funding from IMLS through the Grants to States program authorized by Congress under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) (20 U.S.C. § 9121).

According to State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, LSTA dollars in Minnesota flow into four main initiatives:

  • 48% to Partner-provided Statewide Services – Support for coordination across Minnesota, including Minitex, that maximizes access to library collections
  • 16% to Local Library Projects – Projects designed and implemented by individual libraries to meet community needs
  • 20% to the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library – Accessible library resources for Minnesotans who are blind or have difficulty reading due to visual impairment
  • 16% to State Library Services Programming – Statewide training and professional development for library workers

LSTA funding supports these Minitex services:

  • Resource Sharing receives $1.15M in annual funding. These funds pay for statewide delivery (including a statewide courier service) and for the salaries of staff who pull items from shelves, digitize materials, and send them to patrons.
  • A further $80k goes to support outreach and instruction related to eLibrary Minnesota. This gives Minnesotans the opportunity to learn how to use the resources in eLibrary Minnesota efficiently and effectively in order to find the authoritative, verifiable information they need, at the library, at school, and in the workplace.
  • One-time federal grants (generally, in smaller amounts) have also supported:

Timeline

May 13

Judge John J. McConnel, Jr. of the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, issues a Preliminary Injunction blocking implementation of the White House's March 14 Executive Order.

May 6

Judge John J. McConnel, Jr. of the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island, issues a Memorandum and Order finding that a "preliminary injunction is appropriate and necessary." The Order directs the Plaintiffs to "prepare and submit to the Court a preliminary injunction form order, after consultation with the Defendants."

May 1

Judge Richard J. Leon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issues a "narrow" Temporary Restraining Order in ALA & AFSCME v. Sonderling to "prevent additional harm" while the court continues to consider the arguments of both parties.

April 18
In the District Court of Rhode Island, Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. held a motion hearing on Rhode Island v. Trump, an effort to preserve IMLS, the Minority Business and Development Agency (MBDA), and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).

April 15
South Dakota State Library announces April 30 termination of ILL courier service as a result of the state’s inability to receive IMLS funds despite their grant not being officially canceled. Minitex is having conversations with South Dakota libraries about future resource sharing, and is hoping to have a short-term solution in place soon.

April 11
AISLE, CARLI, IHLS, ILA, and RAILS share a joint statement in response to changes at IMLS.

April 10
Additional tribal libraries receive grant termination notices.

Some recipients of Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grants and National Leadership grants receive grant termination notices.

Maine State Library announces staff layoffs and a temporary closure. Maine had been unable to receive IMLS funds since March 24 despite their grant not being officially canceled.

April 9
Some tribal libraries receive notice that their Native American Library Services Basic Grants are terminated, effective April 8. Fond du Lac and Red Lake are Minnesota’s only recipients in FY2025.

April 7 
A second lawsuit is filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of ALA and AFSCME with Minitex cited in paragraph #72. Democracy Forward has requested a ruling by May 4.

April 4 
A coalition of 21 state attorneys general, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, files a joint lawsuit to halt the elimination of IMLS. U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. scheduled a hearing for the lawsuit for April 18.

April 3
A group of publishers sends a letter to Sonderling expressing concern over the turmoil at IMLS.

IMLS Advisory Board sends their second letter to Sonderling, demanding answers around IMLS staff cuts and grants management.

Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel terminates all IMLS Advisory Board members.

April 2 
Members of Congress write a letter to express concern over proposed elimination of IMLS.

IMLS grantees, including some state libraries, receive notifications of award termination effective April 1, citing grants that are “inconsistent with IMLS priorities.”

April 1 
Approximately 12 IMLS staff are recalled to work.

March 31 
IMLS staff placed on paid administrative leave for a period of up to 90 days. AFGE, a union supporting many IMLS staff, issues a statement. Some states (though not Minnesota) immediately halt LSTA-funded services. ALA issues a statement reacting to actions against IMLS staff.

March 26
Bipartisan group of Senators composed of the lead authors of the Museum and Library Services Act (signed into law by President Trump) send a letter to Sonderling.

March 24 
IMLS Advisory Board sends Sonderling a welcome letter outlining required programs.

March 20
The North Dakota Library Association issues a statement in response to the Executive Order.

March 19
Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary of Labor, named Acting Director of IMLS, replacing former IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum.

March 18
The Minnesota Library Association issues a statement in response to the Executive Order. The statement includes a list of affected services as well as facts about Minnesota libraries.

March 14
Executive order signed.

Resolutions in support of Minitex services

IMLS in Minnesota media

Additional Information

Staff contact
A photograph of Zach Miller.
Zach Miller

Head of Communications