When President Donald Trump rolled out his federal America First Budget Blueprint, represented within its page were significant funding cuts to agencies providing the full spectrum of services. Cuts to one of those agencies, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, galvanized the Russellville Public Library to action, with a special event in the works to oppose the cuts.

“The IMLS gives funding to state agencies all over the country, and we receive about a fifth of our annual budget directly from that funding,” library director Ashley Cummins said. So it’s really important to us personally that that doesn’t happen.

Libraries and library partnerships across the nation, including the American Library Association, are speaking out against the proposed funding cuts. Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew said in a statement, “Since its inception 20 years ago, the Institute of Museum and Library Services has provided critical support enabling museums and libraries across the country to make a tremendous difference in their communities … We will continue to remain steadfast in our work on behalf of the millions of Americans touched by the services of libraries and museums each day.”

In Russellville, Cummins and library staff are trying to encourage patrons to contact their legislators and share their viewpoint on why libraries are important and the IMLS should continue to be funded. As part of the push, the library will be hosting a postcard campaign, including a Postcard Meetup, which is set for April 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons are invited to come by and write any number of postcards to send to legislators relating their love for libraries.

“The library will be providing the postcards and postage,” Cummins said. “The library has contact information for your legislators and templates prepared for those who prefer it.”

Cummins said even if people can’t stay during the official event, they are welcome to go by and collect supplies to write and send the postcards at home.

“It really does affect us personally,” Cummins reiterated.

It’s the same message Matthews had to share.

“The institutions we serve provide vital resources that contribute significantly to Americans’ economic development, education, health and well-being whether by facilitating family learning and catalyzing community change or stimulating economic development through job training and skills development,” Matthews said. “Our agency’s support enables museums and libraries to offer learning experiences for students and families.
“We’ve invested in rural and smaller communities by supporting basic infrastructure and by developing libraries as local community hubs for broadband connectivity and digital literacy training – helping many residents gain job-related skills and, in many cases, find employment. In summary, our grants and programs support libraries and museums as essential contributors to improving Americans’ quality of life.”
In introducing his budget, Trump cautioned that numerous independent agencies would see their funding eliminated as part of his efforts to reduce the national debt and increased spending for the military and other defensive measures, along with other fiscal priorities. In addition to the IMLS, targeted groups include the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, just to name a few.

“Many other government agencies and departments will also experience cuts,” Trump writes. “These cuts are sensible and rational. Every agency and department will be driven to achieve greater efficiency and to eliminate wasteful spending in carrying out their honorable service to the American people.”