Federal funding uncertainty threatens core services at Vermont Department of Libraries

Summary

State Librarian Catherine Delano told the House Education Committee that uncertainty over Institute of Museum and Library Services funding — about $1.24 million annually and roughly one-third of the department's budget — could force cuts to databases, interlibrary loan and staff support that primarily affect small and rural libraries.

Catherine Delano, state librarian and commissioner of the Vermont Department of Libraries, told the House Education Committee on May 20, 2025, that uncertainty over federal Institute of Museum and Library Services funding is putting core statewide library services at risk.

Delano said the department typically receives about $1.24 million a year through the IMLS Grants to States program — roughly one-third of the department’s budget — and that the funds support electronic databases, the interlibrary loan and courier system, continuing education for library staff and several statewide programs. "The funds that we receive annually through the Institute of Museum of Library Services, Library Services Technology Act Grants to States program, make up roughly 1 third of the department's budget," Delano said.

That funding has been in flux since an executive order…

Federal funding uncertainty threatens core services at Vermont Department of Libraries

Summary

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