What Could IMLS Funding Cuts Mean for Your Library’s Summer Reading Program?

With summer on the horizon, many families are excited for the return of a beloved tradition: the library's summer reading program.

As adults, you probably remember the excitement of earning prizes, meeting authors, or attending a magic show after checking out a stack of books. Well, these programs, which spark a lifelong love of reading, are in trouble.

A proposed federal budget for FY26 will eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Along with it, vital funding for programs like summer reading at your local library will also disappear.

Trump's proposed budget completely eliminates Federal funding for libraries.

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What Is the IMLS and Why Does It Matter for You?

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary federal agency that supports libraries and museums across the nation. It provides grants to public libraries, enabling them to offer essential services, including internet access, job search tools, literacy programs, and summer reading initiatives.

In short, IMLS helps libraries serve everyone. Most importantly, it helps the kids and families who depend on these free programs during school breaks.

Proposed IMLS Funding Cuts

This isn’t the first time IMLS has faced a funding threat. The Trump administration previously attempted to terminate IMLS grants, and now, the proposed FY26 budget aims to eliminate the agency altogether.

As a result, there'll be no federal funds for the programs your library offers every day and during the summer.

Contact Congress to stand against Trump's 2026 budget proposal to defund IMLS then click to share this campaign on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, and Linkedin!

Summer Reading Programs: More Than Just Books

Beyond being a fun activity, summer reading programs also help combat the "summer slide" that causes students to lose the progress they earned over the school year during the break. These programs keep kids reading, learning, and excited about books.

In many of them, you'll find live performances, crafts, games, and guest speakers, all dedicated to showcasing the fun of reading. And most importantly, it's all made possible through funding, much of it thanks to IMLS grants.

IMLS Cuts and Your Summer Reading Program

With so many of our public libraries relying on IMLS grants, either directly or through various state library agencies, our favorite summer reading events and resources are at risk. These are just a few examples of how libraries across the country are already preparing for cuts:

• Maplewood Public Library (MO) has raised concerns that IMLS cuts could derail its summer reading program and other essential services.
• Cedar Rapids Public Library (IA) notes that many of Iowa’s rural libraries rely heavily on IMLS funding for summer reading programs and other initiatives.
• Southwest Public Libraries (OH) feared they'd have to cancel events like the Ohio School of Falconry and a petting zoo. Thankfully, generous participants in its donor plea temporarily saved the program.

Note: Since the writing of this story, some IMLS grants have been reinstated, but there are still public libraries that continue to struggle with adequate funding for their much-loved and desperately needed summer programs.

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Your Voice Is Crucial: Take Action to Save Library Funding

The future of your library’s summer programming depends on continued support from the IMLS and you. Contact your local, state, and federal officials to urge them to protect library funding. 

Share this post with your friends and family, take action, and keep the magic of summer reading alive.

Visit www.everylibrary.org to learn more about our work on behalf of libraries. 

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