On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order advancing the elimination of non-statutory components and functions of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the reducation of the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.
Presidential Order – Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy

Support public libraries by contacting your federal, state, and local officials to let them know how important libraries are to you.

Be Informed

• FAQ: Executive Order Targeting Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), ALA

• Learn the statutory functions of the IMLS at United States Code Title 20 – Education Chapter 72 – Museum and Library Services

• Understanding IMLS’s “Shall” and “May” Language from EveryLibrary

Take Action

• Use this New York Library Association form to defend the IMLS.

• Protect New York State Libraries. The FY 2026 budget is around the corner. Ask for an increase in state funding with this form from the New York State Library Association.

• Call or send a message to your government officials urging them to overturn the executive order and protect IMLS funding.

Contact your Congressional Officials

Congressman Nick Langworthy 
New York’s 23rd Congressional District includes Chautauqua, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Tioga, and parts of Erie, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties.
Washington D.C. Office Phone: (202) 225-3161
Online Contact Form: https://langworthy.house.gov/contact

Find your U.S. House of Representative:
https://www.house.gov/representatives

U.S. Senator for New York Kirsten E. Gillibrand
Washington D.C. Office Phone: (202) 224-4451
Online Contact Form: https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/email-me

U.S. Senator for New York Chuck Schumer
Washington D.C. Office Phone: (202) 224-6542
Online Contact Form: https://www.schumer.senate.gov/contact/message-chuck

Find your U.S. Senators:
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

New York State Government Officials

Who is my New York State Assemblymember?
https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

Find My New York State Senator
https://www.nysenate.gov/find-my-senator

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
Phone: 1-518-474-8390
Online Contact Form: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

Contact Your Local Officials – Note: If visiting local offices, make an appointment.
Cattaraugus County
Chautauqua County

Other Resources
Show Up For Our Libraries – Tell Your Story from ALA
Take action for libraries from EveryLibrary

Download the 5 Calls app from your device store to quickly and easily make calls to congress members. Scripts provided.

Here’s how the IMLS has helped CCLS Member Libraries in 2024:

https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/nab-256511-ols-24

https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/nae-256774-ols-24

Local Organizations Supported with IMLS funds:

Source Link & Search IMLS Awarded Grants