10-05-2025
Michigan libraries worry for funding cuts after executive order
EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — In March, President Trump issued an executive order that would cut funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
From books and movies to internet access and even assistance in finding a job—your local library has it all. Gabby Kindig with the East Lansing Public Library says the recent executive order could make it harder for them to offer up these important resources.
'And especially for small libraries and rural libraries, they don't have a lot of funding to supplement, and so they really, really rely on this money to serve this population,' said Kindig.
According to the Michigan Library Association, millions of dollars that they rely on each year could be impacted. Although a federal court blocked that executive order in response to a lawsuit by the American Library Association, it still leaves concerns about future funding.
'Here in East Lansing, we would lose about $48,000 from the federal funding, but one of the bigger impacts is to MeLCat,' said Kindig. 'So, that's the Michigan E-Library, it's run by the Library of Michigan, and it's funded entirely by the IMLS.'
Kindig says her library does receive funding from other outlets, like the state and local governments.
'We are luckily funded by a millage which is approved by voters,' said Kindig. 'Most of our budget comes from this millage. So, we won't have too much of a devastating impact.'
The same can't be said for libraries in small rural areas.
'If their funding is cut, then that's going to have an impact on the availability of resources,' said Kindig.
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