Letter to the editor: Library funding key for communities

In a time when individualism is at its height, local libraries act as a safe “third space” that offers many free resources and programs for their community.

The current administration has been attacking libraries for months, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has been completely defunded in the proposed fiscal year 2026 federal budget. The IMLS takes up less than 0.003% of the federal budget. It should be very clear that defunding the IMLS is not an effort to reduce federal spending, but to reduce free access to information and reading materials.

Libraries are critical spaces for learning, culture and communication. They provide many free resources, not just books and movies — classes, tickets or discounts to local attractions, items for rent and more.

Defunding the IMLS would directly affect the resources offered at local libraries. This will affect poor and marginalized communities the most, where free access to education, resources and information is most important. Not only this, but workers in local libraries to IMLS staff will lose their jobs.

Libraries are a vital aspect to our society, and that is why I am calling on Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick and Rep. Chris Deluzio to demand the IMLS be funded.

Emily Sayre

Carnegie