Speak Out Against DOGE Library Cuts

If you enjoy visiting your local public library, you need to be aware of the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to defund the monies received by our libraries through the Federal Agency the Institute of Museum and Library Services. https://www.imls.gov/

Most activities of the Institute of Museum and Library Services are authorized by Law by Congress through Chapter 72 of Title 20 of the U.S. Code. As a federal agency administering discretionary federal programs, IMLS receives its funding through the annual appropriations process.

Recently, the staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services was told that there positions would be terminated in May. What this means for libraries in Manatee County and in Florida is that there will be less or no monies for important programs including this year's Summer Reading program, improving internet access to rural areas, supporting tribal libraries, ensuring libraries can offer interlibrary loan, programs for Veterans, businesses, and entrepreneurs and so much more.

I encourage you to contact your Congressmen today to save the Institute of Museum and Library Services Agency and the important work that they do to support libraries before it is too late. If you support libraries, NOW is the time to act. Contact Congressman Vern Buchanan, representing the 16th Congressional District of Florida at https://buchanan.house.gov/constituent-validation

Your children will thank you for taking the time to support your library today!

Andrew Sanderbeck
Bradenton