An executive order issued by the federal administration on March 14 called for deep cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
IMLS is an independent federal agency that supports libraries and museums in all 50 states and U.S. Territories through grant funding, research, and policy development. It is the only federal agency that funds America’s libraries.
Although the majority of funding for La Conner Swinomish Library comes from property tax levies approved by voters, a generous grant from the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, and the support of our community, the loss of IMLS will impact our library.
The Washington State Library published a document outlining the impact IMLS cuts would have on Washington libraries. Washington State Library (WSL) currently receives $3.9 million dollars in funding from the Grants to States program which, if cut, will have the following impacts across our state including our library:
- Access to eBooks and eAudiobooks will be reduced. The WSL oversees the Washington Anytime Library Consortium which provides service to 40 small, rural libraries in Washington State including our library. Cuts would mean that the Libby App would have fewer titles and longer waits for popular titles. The worst-case scenario would mean the loss of the Libby service altogether.
- WSL supports technology upgrades for our library and loss of funding may mean slower internet and increased costs for technology services.
- Loss of research databases and training. IMLS federal funds cover half the costs of the statewide database licenses and training for library staff. Cuts would mean library staff would have less access to training and less access to databases for public use.
IMLS grants are essential for many types of libraries across the state. Loss of funding puts prison, hospital, and tribal libraries in serious jeopardy and would severely impact the services of the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.
Those wishing to voice concerns over the federal administration’s executive order against IMLS funding can find suggestions at the EveryLibrary Institute, a non-profit corporation that supports library funding across the United States.
La Conner Swinomish Library is thankful to be a part of such an amazing community, and we will continue to be here to be a welcoming and safe place for everyone.
On a positive note: We have some great programs coming up at the library:
- Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. the Tom and Alexa Robbins Creative Space is open for anyone ages 10-18 to come and create art. We supply the stuff, you supply the creativity.
- Free Violin Classes ages 8 and up: Join us for an 8-week violin course taught by Skagit Symphony violinist SueEllen Eberhart. Instruments are provided. Classes begin April 24 from 3-4 p.m. and run through June 19. Space is limited, call the library at 360-466-3352 to sign up.
- Seed Swap April 22 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bring some seeds to exchange for new seeds.
- 2nd Annual Junior Art Walk May 16-28. See art created by our junior artists as you stroll through town. Art will hang in participating businesses starting on Friday, May 16.
Jean Market: Jean Markert: Jean is the director at La Conner Swinomish Library. Jean has a passion for libraries and her community and is excited to continue the mission to create a library that is a welcoming place for everyone.
