On March 31, 2025, all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) employees were placed on administrative leave, with access to their work systems blocked. The President replaced the agency’s leadership with the Deputy Secretary of Labor. Without leadership and staff, it’s expected that library funding will be halted.
This action puts crucial services at risk across the country—and especially here in Wisconsin. Federal law requires IMLS to provide support to public libraries, but that support is currently only guaranteed through September 2025.
Why IMLS Funding Matters to the Amery Area Public Library:
IMLS funds support BadgerLink, the state of Wisconsin's online library, currently available for free to all library users.
IMLS funds help support digital literacy efforts and access to free wifi and public computers to the Amery community, a real lifeline in rural communities where internet access is spotty.
IMLS funds help pay for staff to have required continuing education trainings. This allows us to spend more of our budget on materials and services.
IMLS funds support the ILL loan program, allowing patrons to access materials unavailable in the MORE catalog.
What can library users and supporters do to help?
Advocate for the services that matter to you! Please visit https://mywisconsinlibrary.org/ to learn more!