Library staff warn of possible impacts after executive order affecting IMLS funding

Library staff updated the Municipal Library Board on March 25 about potential effects from a recent executive order that would close the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Staff said the library has benefited from IMLS-supported funding passed through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Examples included a grant that helped start the music instrument lending program, subsidies for statewide databases and interlibrary loan participation, and support for programs such as GED testing, English-language classes and memory-care backpacks.

Staff noted the federal fiscal year 2025 funding was in place and the continuing resolution contained FY26 funds, but said the implications of the executive order for FY26 pass-through funds were unclear. The presenter said she had a meeting scheduled with the state librarian to get further details and that the state library has historically passed through between about $30,000 and up to roughly $150,000 to support local projects (amounts varied by program and year).

Staff also warned that statewide database contracts (Techshare, Gale and Textquest were named) are costly and that changes to contracts could materially affect access to research and homework resources. The library pays separately for some services (for example, Brainfuse homework help), but staff said loss or reduction of Techshare-provided resources would be consequential.

Ending: Staff said they would pursue information from the state librarian on the executive order's impacts and consider reallocation options if federal pass-through funding were reduced.