27-04-2025
Trump's actions threaten libraries and museums in Washington
Libraries and museums across Washington — and the nation — are under threat. On March 14, the Trump administration issued an executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Staff were placed on leave, and grant termination notices went out to state libraries, effective April 1.
This decision strikes at the heart of our communities. IMLS grants have supplemented local funding to provide high-speed internet in rural areas, Braille books for the visually impaired and vital digital resources. In Tacoma, a 2021 IMLS grant helped launch the Community Archives Center, now a national model. Nationwide, IMLS supported 35,000 museums and 123,000 libraries while costing less than 0.003% of the federal budget.
Dismantling the IMLS undermines education, economic development and access to information. As a long-time librarian and museum advocate, I urge Tacomans and all Washingtonians to speak out and reach out to your networks around the nation as well. We must call on legislators to protect funding for these essential institutions that support learning, preserve history and strengthen community ties.
Learn more and find ways to take action at
Elizabeth Bowman, Tacoma
l attend Tacoma Community College studying Electrical Engineering. My goal is to set roots in Washington and become an engineer for the state. I want to build better infrastructure for low-income communities. I am a recipient of financial aid, and understand the financial struggles students face. My financial aid covers tuition, but it doesn't cover transportation, food, textbooks, nor other basics needed to simply attend college. Never mind those who also have to pay for rent, phone, and other bills. The legislature has been considering lowering aid while increasing tuition costs. This action would be a detriment to the state of Washington. We need the legislature to pass the substitute bill to instead make financial aid permanent and not raise tuition. Most of my classmates use financial aid and need support to succeed. We are hardworking, driven, intelligent people who want to be participating members of society. Without the state's continued investment, many would have to drop out, leaving Washington without so many of the engineers it needs to grow. Washington needs to reject balancing the budget on students' backs and continue to invest in our future.
Kaleb McGhee, Tacoma
Laudato Si', is a 184-page letter (encyclical) written by the late Pope Francis that was published in May of 2015.
It focuses on care for the natural environment and all people, as well as broader questions of the relationship between God, humans and the Earth.
Francis says that instead of viewing humanity as having 'dominion' over the earth, we must see that everything is interconnected and that all of creation is a 'kind of universal family.' Nature cannot be seen as something apart from humanity, or merely the place where we live. He says that our social and environmental crises are thus one complex crisis that must be solved holistically.
Laudato Si' had a profound impact all around the world, but eight years later in 2023, Pope Francis published Laudate Deum. Laudate Deum is 73 paragraphs where Francis calls for speedier action against the climate crisis. Pope Francis felt his message had not been heard in Laudato Si'. April 22 was Earth Day. Now is the time to hear the words of Pope Francis and put them into action against the climate crisis to save our common home.
Karen Quandt, Edgewood
