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***Apologies for any cross postings***

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If you’d like to help bring attention to the President’s Executive Order that includes defunding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), here are some simple but meaningful ways to get involved:

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1. Understand the Executive Order

Read the Executive Order (EO) itself so you’re informed about its content and implications.

ALA has a great FAQ page to help understand the implications of the EO:?

This article gives a breakdown on the EO:?

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2. Read the Vermont Library Association’s (VLA) Statement

The VLA has issued a response outlining how this order would impact the Vermont Department of Libraries and the services they provide and ultimately everyone in our communities. Please find that below.

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3. Explore Action Items from EveryLibrary and ALA

Both EveryLibrary and the American Library Association (ALA) have created action platforms in response to this threat:

• Sign the EveryLibrary petition:?
• Fill out the ALA’s “Show Up for Libraries” form, () ?be sure to personalize it—especially by describing how IMLS LSTA funding specifically supports your library and community.

Note: These platforms send auto-generated emails to elected officials, but you can make an even stronger impact by calling directly.

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4. Contact Vermont’s Congressional Delegation

Call Senators Welch ((202) 224-4242) and Sanders ((202) 224-5141), and Representative Balint ((202) 225-4115). You’ll likely reach voicemail, which is perfectly fine—leave a message! Here’s a sample script:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I’m a resident of [Your Town].
I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative] to oppose any efforts by this administration to defund or abolish IMLS.
IMLS is essential to Vermont libraries—it provides funding we rely on to support [briefly mention a local program or service].
This funding is critical to meeting the educational, economic, and community needs of Vermonters.”

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4. Share these calls to action with your friends, family, and colleagues.

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4. Create a bookmark to put into all books that you lend through ILL that includes the following:

InterLibrary Loan is a service funded through Federal funds with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

(Thanks to NH Librarians for this idea!)? If anyone creates one they can share, please do!

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Vermont Library Association Statement of Support of?the Institute of Museum and Library Services

President Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle?the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) poses a serious threat to Vermont’s libraries and the communities they serve. The elimination or drastic reduction in functions and funding of IMLS would effectively strip away essential Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants and other federal support that Vermont relies on to sustain its library network.

The impact of this Executive Order would have profound consequences across Vermont, where libraries are lifelines—especially in rural and underserved areas. Vermont’s libraries depend on IMLS funding to support critical initiatives outlined in the state’s?2023–2027 Library Services and Technology Act Five-Year Plan.

Without these federal investments, Vermont would lose vital programs that:

• Enable?resource sharing between small libraries?that cannot independently maintain comprehensive collections;
• Provide?training and continuing education?to library staff, many of whom serve in communities struggling to attract and retain qualified professionals;
• Sustain the?ABLE Library, which ensures equitable access to reading materials for those who are blind, dyslexic, or print disabled;
• Support?youth and early literacy programming, helping children build lifelong learning habits from an early age;
• Deliver?library services to traditionally underserved populations, including low-income families and those in institutional settings;
• Offer?workforce development resources, helping Vermonters gain the skills and tools needed to succeed in today’s economy;
• Ensure?free access to broadband internet, a crucial service for rural residents who often lack reliable home connectivity;
• Provide?consultancy and advisory services?to library boards and trustees, helping ensure equitable access across municipalities;
• Supply?digital resources?like databases, eBooks, and eAudiobooks, supporting flexible learning beyond traditional library hours;
• Support?technology training and consulting, enabling libraries to stay current with rapid technological changes.

?These resources are not luxuries—they are essential to maintaining?education equity, economic opportunity, and community well-being?across Vermont.

Eliminating IMLS would jeopardize the future of public libraries as inclusive, accessible community anchors. It would widen the digital divide, hinder educational advancement, and leave behind the very populations that federal programs are intended to support.

We strongly oppose this Executive Order and urge policymakers to continue funding the IMLS, as investing in libraries promotes efficiency and lays the foundation for informed, educated, and connected communities.