Federal library & museum funding agency faces cutbacks, raising concerns for KC libraries

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency that provides grant funding to libraries and museums nationwide, has been directed to scale back operations following a recent executive order.

As a result, approximately 80% of the agency’s employees were placed on istrative leave, raising concerns about the future of library services across the country.

The agency, which awarded $267 million in grants last year, has played a critical role in funding local libraries, including the Johnson County Library. With the impending budget cuts, library officials are preparing to adjust their funding allocations in the coming year.

The Johnson County Library received $165,000 from IMLS this year, which went directly toward putting books on the shelves. While the library is less dependent on federal funding than many of its peers in smaller or rural communities, officials anticipate that key services such as language learning programs, summer reading initiatives, and the Kansas Library eCard program may be affected.

“Even in an environment that challenges what we’re trying to deliver, we are committed to maintaining library services,” said Adam Wathen, associate director of branch services at Johnson County Library. “We work hard to ensure that our patrons continue to have access to the resources they need.”

The Kansas State Library System has stated that IMLS funds for 30% of its budget. These funds a variety of programs, including the purchase of materials, e-books, online classes, job search assistance, and the popular interlibrary loan program, which allows patrons to borrow books from other libraries. Should funding for this program be reduced, libraries may have to rely more on the U.S. Postal Service, potentially leading to longer wait times and higher costs for materials.

While larger library systems like Johnson County and Kansas City Public Library do not expect the cuts to be as severe as those in rural communities, they are taking steps to minimize the impact on patrons.

Patrons said they turn to the library as a home away from home.

“My car could get here without me I come so often,” said library patron Sally Overton, who visits Johnson County Library weekly to pick up books.

“[It means] a lot because I’m retired,” she said. “I really can’t afford to go buy all the books. I read about seven books a week so this is free and I love it.”

Despite the anticipated challenges, library officials emphasize their commitment to ensuring that the community continues to have access to essential services.

“The library is a place where people can come to remove barriers and access information,” Wathen said. “We will continue to uphold the freedom to read, seek knowledge, and access the internet as an individual right.”

The Kansas City Public Library also issued the following statement to KCTV5, noting they do not anticipate severe impacts:

The Kansas City Public Library primarily receives from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants. These grants fund resources and programs in areas such as summer reading, technology, literacy, and wellness. While small and rural libraries would face a greater impact from the executive order, KL remains committed to staying informed and minimizing any potential effects on our community and patrons.

As the effects of the federal cutbacks begin to take shape, libraries across the country are bracing for adjustments while reaffirming their commitment to serving their communities.

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