Legislative Update -- March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

On Friday night, March 14, an executive order was issued by the Trump administration calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries. 

Since then, we have learned IMLS was included in the FY2025 federal budget that was passed last week. The funding will continue through September 2025, with the Illinois State Library expecting to receive $5.7 million later this spring. 

Also in September 2025, the Museum and Library Services Act (MSLA) will need to be reauthorized. MSLA was first enacted in 1996 and has been reauthorized on a bipartisan basis several times.

In FY2024, the Illinois State Library received $5.7 million through the Grants to State Library Administrative Agencies. This document explains how Illinois’ FY2024 funding was used.  

We encourage you to send a message to Senators Durbin and Duckworth and your Member of Congress urging them to overturn the executive order and protect IMLS funding. 

Many national organizations are advocating for libraries and museums across the country:


We will continue to update you as we have more information. 

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