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Library Trustees Describe Robust Use, Warn of IMLS Cuts and Consortium Funding Risks
Summary
Library trustees told council the Mill Valley Public Library enjoyed strong attendance and program growth but flagged federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding cuts that threaten consortium services and delivery; trustees requested council support and invited officials to shadow library staff.
Trustees and library staff reported to the Mill Valley City Council on April 21 that the Mill Valley Public Library had an "excellent year," noting robust program attendance, increased daily visitors, and a highly educated staff. Trustees and the foundation highlighted volunteer and philanthropic support that they said contributed roughly $200,000 in program and endowment funding last year.
The presentation emphasized the library’s role serving patrons with fewer resources, people with disabilities, and others who depend on free, equitable access to programs and materials. Trustees warned that cuts to federal IMLS funding — the primary federal program supporting libraries — could reduce consortium services (the Marinette consortium) that Mill Valley relies on for interlibrary delivery, database subscriptions and literacy programs. Trustees cited consortium savings of about $91,000 per year from E‑Rate discounts and $34,000 per year from the California Teleconnect Fund for broadband and related delivery services.
Trustees described operational programs funded by past grants, including a privacy booth, the zip books program, preservation grants, a smart garden, and expanded youth storytelling and 3‑D model‑building programs. They said a soon‑to‑be‑released patron survey will inform a strategic plan expected in a few months and invited council members to shadow reference staff to better understand daily operations.
During Q&A trustees said the library would be "less devastated" than many others if certain funds are cut because of local support groups and city funding, but they asked for council help in advocacy and in preparing contingency plans should consortium discounts or federal funding change.
Next steps: trustees will finalize the patron survey and report back to council with strategic‑plan milestones; staff and trustees requested continued council support and offered to provide follow‑up details about operating‑budget exposure if federal or consortium funding is reduced.
