On March 14, President Donald Trump signed an executive order dismantling seven federal agencies. Included in this list is the Institution of Museum and Library Services. This federal agency is the direct line of funding for public libraries. Without the proper funding, public libraries and other areas of public research will dissolve over time. Trump’s decision to sign this executive order is another continuation of his efforts to remove proper education from the country.
The IMLS was founded in 1996 and was established to “advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.” Its main job is to provide funding towards public libraries, art museums, zoos and public research through grants and policy initiatives.
Public libraries need this funding, which is crucial for technology, books and programs such as children's reading groups or summer reading activities. Other resources include computers, printing stations and some libraries offer resume building for those seeking a job. Libraries provide a safe place for communities and allow anyone to overall relax if need be. In many cases, libraries also allow members free entry to local museums through the IMLS. Without funding, neighborhoods and towns across the U.S. will lose a place of comfort and enjoyment.
The order states that within seven days after Trump’s signature, all agencies needed to report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, confirming their compliance. In that seven-day timeframe, the library association advised workers and members that the current funding status for grants is still unknown. However, since the IMLS was established through congressional legislation, it cannot be erased through an executive order. Rather, Congress would decide whether to repeal or defund the agency.
This has been the Trump administration’s goal: to defund the educated and create obstacles to having a useful education. The president and his team have made no steps closer to lowering gas and grocery prices, but instead removing institutions that help fuel education. It is easier to be uneducated and oblivious to the country’s disarray than to be aware of the way the country is heading.
Even though this is devastating news, there are many ways to help keep libraries standing. Buying a library card is a huge help to libraries. Library cards allow individuals to check out books they want, have better access to clubs through the library and some libraries offer free streaming options to movies and TV shows. Utilizing a library card ensures that public libraries get the funding required for these services. People can also use their library cards to sign up for Libby, an app where users have free access to e-books, audiobooks and magazines from their local libraries.
Buying a library card does not mean it will need to be used every day; however, libraries will see the support and it will not go unnoticed. Athens Public Libraries allows citizens to start a free library account while meeting eligible criteria, but this is available to college students. No need for payment when you can sign up with a free account. Support and kindness never go unnoticed by those who need it.
Natalie Saddler is a freshman studying journalism. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post.
