Learn About IMLS

If you're not familiar with the IMLS, you should expect some surprises.

Grants help libraries connect their patrons with the resources they need most.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent grantmaking agency that provides federal support to museums and libraries in the United States. You have probably never heard about this agency. Still, they play a significant role in the survival of libraries. Here is everything you should know about the IMLS and its importance for your local library funding.

Libraries and museums rely heavily on funding from grants to help supplement their financial needs in hosting events, running programs, and completing special projects in their community. Luckily, there are organizations in place that are dedicated to helping these institutions do the work they need. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is one of many supporters of libraries and museums across the country. Thanks to their contributions, thousands of awards have been distributed.

As the primary source of federal funding for our nation’s libraries and museums, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) plays a vital role in promoting lifelong learning and literacy for people of all ages, providing invaluable resources to help strengthen America’s cultural institutions and increase public access to the vast wealth of information, ideas, and networks that they have to offer. With its national reach and scope and the ability to spur innovation and creativity at the state, local, and tribal levels, the IMLS is nothing less than an investment in America itself.

I wrote an article recently about how Trump is coming after libraries and I wasn’t joking. In Trump’s FY2020 proposed budget, his administration has called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)! This misguided move is obviously bad for libraries because IMLS is the independent government agency that transfers the funds made available through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) — the only Federal funding that is exclusively for libraries — to libraries all around the country!

While most library funding comes from local sources, the Federal government supplies critical funds for some things the local community couldn’t provide on its own. Here’s a short list of seven specific services that Federal money supports for your library.

I wrote an article recently about how Trump is coming after libraries and I wasn’t joking. In Trump’s FY2019 proposed budget, his administration has called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)! This misguided move is obviously bad for libraries because IMLS is the independent government agency that transfers the funds made available through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) — the only Federal funding that is exclusively for libraries — to libraries all around the country!

If we lose the IMLS, libraries will lose the ability to do some truly meaningful work. Below are 10 examples of important initiatives that were funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS):