Potential Funding Impacts for the Library and Museum

Some members of the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum are asking about the possible impact of Executive Order 14238, signed March 14, 2025, directing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to reduce operations to the bare minimum required by law. The Bemis Public Library and Littleton Museum would be impacted by the dismantling of IMLS. 

Library patrons and staff could lose many services currently provided by the Colorado State Library, which receives about 66% of its annual funding from IMLS. The Littleton Museum could lose grant money that helps make our Smithsonian-affiliate museum a special experience. To name a few potential losses: 

· Prospector, the statewide interagency lending network for borrowing materials from any library in Colorado

· Free resources for training and professional development of library staff and trustees

· Free online archive of historic Colorado newspapers

Although the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has granted a temporary restraining order to the dismantling of IMLS, Congress will need to fund IMLS next year to ensure library and museum services across the country. If you have thoughts about the dismantling of IMLS, the Friends encourage you to share them with your representatives in Congress.