Many of you are asking how the recent Executive Order regarding the Institute for Library & Museum Services (IMLS,) and recent layoff of the 75-person IMLS staff, could affect local libraries, including the Rock Island Public Library.
We also have questions, but no definitive answers at this time.
RIPL is primarily supported through local taxes, and does not receive federal funds directly. We do receive services from RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois System) that are funded through the Illinois State Library, using IMLS dollars.
Here's what we do know:
The Illinois State Library has released this statement on the potential statewide impact of this order.
Additionally, the American Library Association has released FAQ statements for library advocates, with ideas on how to show up for libraries. IMLS services to libraries and museums draw less than .003 percent of the federal budget.
RAILS is fully funded through September 2025, which is also when the Museum and Library Services Act is up for renewal by Congress.
As a member of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS); the catalog consortium, PrairieCat; a recipient of the State Per Capita Aid grant; a recipient of the Project Next Generation grant; user of OCLC WorldCat services; a participant in the Board iLEAD training; and a member of Illinois Libraries Present, this executive order would affect the programs and services that the Rock Island Public Library offers Rock Island residents and the contracting Milan-Blackhawk Area Public Library District.