Stephanie R. Toliver: Don't stay silent. Libraries need support now.

Chicago Tribune

24-03-2025

I remember walking into my local library as a child, breathing in that distinct scent of books and possibility. The tall shelves, the peaceful atmosphere, the librarians who seemed to know exactly what book might capture my imagination. These experiences shaped my understanding of what it means to be part of a community that values knowledge.
Now, these foundational institutions face a serious threat as President Donald Trump has issued an executive order targeting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency that provides critical support to libraries nationwide.
The IMLS, with its annual budget of approximately $300 million, represents a minuscule fraction of federal spending, yet its impact on communities nationwide is immeasurable. This institution has been the backbone supporting libraries and museums as they adapt to serve the evolving needs of Americans, particularly in underserved communities where access to information and educational resources can be transformative.
This year, there are an estimated 124,903 libraries in the United States, including close to 100,000 school libraries and an estimated 17,278 public libraries. When the pandemic forced many Americans into isolation, libraries pivoted immediately. A 2024 study showed that the IMLS distributed funds to libraries through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
With this money, libraries could meet evolving community needs, including expanding digital services and ensuring communities maintained access to vital information. As many institutions transitioned online, libraries expanded digital services, added virtual programs and provided resources for those who lost jobs during the upheaval.
Even without national crises, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to community support. A Public Library Association survey found that the majority of public libraries offer election services, and almost all libraries have summer reading programs.
More than 75% provide career services, and half have special designations for emergencies, 'serving as cooling/warming centers in extreme temperatures, distribution centers during public health emergencies, and/or centers for community members and first responders during disaster recovery.'
To be sure, proponents of the executive order may argue that budget constraints necessitate difficult decisions about federal spending priorities. Some may contend that library services could be funded primarily at local levels or through private philanthropy.
This perspective ignores the role that federal support plays in ensuring equitable access to information across all communities, regardless of their tax base or donor networks.
The digital divide remains a significant barrier for millions of Americans, making physical libraries more essential than ever for those without reliable internet access or digital literacy skills.
The executive order's directive to reduce the IMLS to 'the minimum presence and function required by law' isn't a budget cut. It's an assault on the democratic principle that information and cultural resources should be available to all Americans, regardless of geography, economic status or background.
As a former high school English teacher and now a university English educator, I've always believed that libraries represent the best of American values: equal opportunity, community support and the belief that knowledge should be accessible to all.
I've witnessed firsthand how they transform lives: the senior citizen learning digital skills to stay connected with grandchildren, the teenager spending hours in the library because they feel safe, the entrepreneur using library resources to launch a small business, the child discovering the joy of reading during story time.
What makes libraries unique in American society is their unwavering commitment to serving everyone equally. They ask nothing of patrons except curiosity. They demand no payment beyond the promise to return what was borrowed. They exist purely to enrich, inform and connect communities. In return, they ask only for sufficient resources to continue this essential work.
Libraries have always stood ready to help Americans navigate challenges, from economic downturns to technological revolutions to pandemics. They have evolved from simple book repositories to complex community anchors offering job training, digital literacy, civic engagement opportunities and safe spaces for vulnerable populations.
Now is the time to reciprocate this unwavering support. Just as libraries have consistently stood up for the right of every American to access information and opportunity, we must now stand up for them.
It is critical to contact elected representatives, so they receive the input from citizens on support for libraries and opposition to this executive order. It is necessary to share personal stories of how libraries have affected individuals and communities.
It is critical to support local library funding initiatives through advocacy and votes and to visit local library libraries regularly. Support for national organizations such as the American Library Association is also needed as they advocate for library funding at the federal level.
Each time I walk into my local library today, I'm reminded of that first library card and the world it opened for me. By taking action now, it is possible to ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities. By honoring an institution that has defended access to knowledge, opportunity and community for generations, the future is more secure.
Libraries have always had our backs. It's time we had theirs.
Stephanie R. Toliver is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a public voices fellow with The OpEd Project.