Monday, May 19, 2025
An executive order issued by the White House on March 14 to reduce the size of several federal agencies has sparked concern among library leaders nationwide — including in Baldwin. Among the targeted entities is the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency dedicated to supporting libraries and museums across the country.
The move could jeopardize $19 million in federal funding to libraries in New York state, and local leaders are warning of the long-term consequences. Baldwin Public Library Director Elizabeth Olesh did not mince words when asked about the executive order and the implications of eliminating IMLS.
“IMLS is the only Federal agency focused on libraries and museums,” Olesh said. “Its budget is minuscule and does not have a meaningful effect on the federal budget, while it will have a devastating impact on libraries and museums in many states. However, rather than a simple budgetary move, I see this as part of an assault on intellectual freedom. Why single out such a small agency? It’s the same reason the Smithsonian has been singled out — we are organizations that promote independent thought and diversity, which I believe are American values.”
While the Baldwin library is funded mostly by local taxes, Olesh pointed out that the impact of cutting IMLS would likely be felt at the state level.
“We are lucky that nearly all of our funding is provided by local taxes, with a few thousand dollars provided by the state,” she said. However, most of the positions at the State Library and the Division of Library Development are supported with IMLS funding, and that may have a ripple effect on us.”
That ripple could affect everything from building improvements to statewide programming.
“For example, DLD is responsible for vetting Public Library Construction Aid projects before they move on for final approval,” Olesh said. “Our new windows and roof were funded through this program. DLD also coordinates and supports the statewide summer reading program. These are just a couple of examples.”
Caroline Ashby, director of the Nassau County Library System, emphasized the larger, system-level role IMLS plays in enabling libraries across Long Island and beyond to serve their communities effectively.
“IMLS provides the scaffolding that enables local libraries to be creative, innovative, and to shine in their communities,” Ashby said. “Services provided by IMLS are things like research and data collection from libraries across the country, which enable library systems and local libraries to benchmark key performance indicators, over time, against peer libraries. There’s no other source for libraries to get information like that.”
The Nassau Library System, which supports libraries throughout the county, relies on state-level infrastructure and funding made possible through IMLS support. Losing that support, library officials warn, could leave local libraries with fewer tools to serve their communities — even if their own budgets are locally sustained.
Olesh added that state-level consequences could cascade down to local libraries, even those with stable funding. “It is also possible that state funding will be redirected to support the State Library and DLD,” she said, “which may affect the funding available for public library construction and online services that are provided to every library in the state, small or large, at no cost. This would cause statewide inequities.”
The American Library Association and state library officials have already spoken out, warning of grant cancellations and layoffs. According to ALA, libraries in California, Connecticut and Washington have been notified that their IMLS grants are being revoked.
On Long Island, library leaders are urging residents to take action. “Speak up,” Olesh said. “Tell your federal and state representatives how important library services are to you. You can visit nassaulibrary.org/advocacy to easily send letters supporting this cause.”
