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Library director warns of federal shutdown risk to state library services and potential state cuts to Ready-to-Read
Summary
The director told the board a federal shutdown could force state library layoffs and that Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding faces uncertainty in reconciliation; state-level cuts to the Ready-to-Read program were discussed in percentage terms but exact impacts are not finalized.
The library director told the board that a federal government shutdown could force layoffs at the state library and that federal IMLS funding remains at risk in budget reconciliation. "If the government federal government does not open by November 30 ... they are going to have to lay off all of the library services staff at the state library because they will just will not have the funds," the director said, urging hope that funding will be preserved in reconciliation.
On state funding, the director said the state librarian was asked to prepare spreadsheets showing possible 2.5% and 5% reductions to budgets; officials have indicated a likely 2.5% reduction next year, which would modestly reduce the Ready-to-Read line (the director estimated the program might shift from about $1,300 to roughly $1,200 for the library). The director emphasized that state budget decisions are still fluid and that any precise impacts depend on final legislative actions.
The director also described other state grant opportunities for accessibility upgrades (for example ADA door paddles) and dyslexia-friendly materials and programming for computer learners. Board members were advised the council is watching intergovernmental reporting changes and that the board may share views with council before the council votes on meeting schedules and related resolutions.
