(September 2025) – As Congress debates the future of federal support for libraries, advocates across Maryland—and especially here on the Eastern Shore—are watching closely. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency that distributes funding to libraries nationwide, may receive a modest budget increase this year, despite past efforts to eliminate its funding entirely.

This potential boost is critical for Maryland’s 24 public library systems, which received over $3.3 million in federal grants in 2025. These funds help libraries provide essential services such as:

• Job training and workforce development
• Internet access in rural areas
• Support for formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the workforce
• Literacy programs for children and adults

Here on the Eastern Shore, these services are more than helpful—they’re transformative.

“Federal funding is absolutely essential for our local libraries,” said Dr. Brian Cook, an ESLA member who works with federal grants in the region. “These dollars allow libraries to offer programs that directly support literacy, employment, and digital access—especially in communities that need it most.”

Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle IMLS, continuing a pattern of proposed defunding that began during his first term. Despite this, both the House and Senate have proposed budgets that would preserve—and slightly increase—IMLS funding.

Joshua Stone, Executive Director of the Maryland Library Association, noted that libraries have historically enjoyed bipartisan support, but recent political tensions have made funding less certain. “Libraries are there to benefit their communities and help enrich the lives of the people who live there,” Stone said.

ESLA’s Commitment to Advocacy

At the Eastern Shore Literacy Association, we stand firmly behind our libraries. They are pillars of literacy, equity, and opportunity in our region. We urge our members, educators, and community partners to advocate for full funding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

📢 What You Can Do: Contact your representatives and express your support for federal library funding. Every voice matters in protecting the resources that help our communities learn, grow, and thrive.