If you’d like to help bring attention to President Trump’s Executive Order that includes defunding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), here are some simple but meaningful ways to get involved.
1 – Understand the Executive Order
Read the Executive Order (EO) itself so you’re informed about its content and implications: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/continuing-the-reduction-of-the-federal-bureaucracy/
The American Library Association has a great FAQ page to help understand the implications of the EO:
https://www.ala.org/faq-executive-order-targeting-imls
This American Libraries Magazine article gives a breakdown on the EO:
https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/white-house-attacks-libraries/
2 – Read the Vermont Library Association’s (VLA) Statement
VLA has issued a response outlining how this order would impact the Vermont Department of Libraries, the services they provide, and ultimately everyone in our communities. Read it and share it:
https://vermontlibraries.org/vermont-library-association-statement-of-support-of-the-institute-of-museum-and-library-services
3 – Explore Action Items from EveryLibrary and ALA
Both EveryLibrary and the American Library Association (ALA) have created action platforms in response to this threat:
- Sign the EveryLibrary petition: https://www.everylibrary.org/statementimls2025
- Fill out the ALA’s “Show Up for Libraries” form, (https://oneclickpolitics.global.ssl.fastly.net/messages/edit?promo_id=23577) be sure to personalize it — especially by describing how IMLS LSTA funding specifically supports your library and community.
Note: These platforms send auto-generated emails to elected officials, but you can make an even stronger impact by calling directly.
4 – Contact Vermont’s Congressional Delegation
Call Senators Welch (202-224-4242) and Sanders (202-224-5141), and Representative Balint (202-225-4115). You’ll likely reach voicemail, which is perfectly fine—leave a message! Here’s a sample script:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a resident of [Your Town].
I’m calling to urge [Senator/Representative] to oppose any efforts by this administration to defund or abolish IMLS.
IMLS is essential to Vermont libraries. It provides funding we rely on to support [briefly mention a local program or service].
This funding is critical to meeting the educational, economic, and community needs of Vermonters.”
Share these calls to action with your friends, family, and colleagues.
5 – Create a bookmark to put into all books that you lend through ILL that includes the following:
InterLibrary Loan is a service funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Please call Senator Welch (202-224-4242), Senator Sanders (202-224-5141), and Representative Balint (202-225-4115) and urge them to protect IMLS from President Trump’s cuts.
Thanks to New Hampshire librarians for this idea! If anyone creates one they can share, please do! Here are some sample bookmarks.
Mary Danko, president, Vermont Library Association
president [at] vermontlibraries.org
March 26, 2025