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IMLS Advocacy - 2025
A Statement from the CLA President (April 10, 2025)
As many of you know, the current administration has cut funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and specifically targeted Connecticut.
IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. The free flow of information is how democracy is kept alive, and the defunding of library services, at any level, is undemocratic.
In Connecticut, IMLS funding for libraries is used to support statutorily mandated library infrastructure, support, and services. These services directly benefit all of Connecticut’s residents, but particularly the most vulnerable. IMLS funds are used to support a number of initiatives and institutions, including but not limited to the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books, the libraries of the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, services for veterans and military families, digital connectivity and navigation, early literacy programs, summer reading and enrichment programs, and statewide database and digital library services. Connecticut’s statewide reciprocal borrowing and interlibrary loan programs are also dependent on this funding. Losing IMLS funding puts every one of these initiatives, as well as state library employees, at risk.
We know firsthand the impact federal funding has on our daily operations. We ask you to reach out to your local elected officials to let them see the effect this will have on the 1.2 million library cardholders in the state. Please share this information with your patrons, trustees, and friends. The library community needs to have its voice heard.
We need you now more than ever. Libraries need you now more than ever. Democracy needs you now more than ever.
--Scott Jarzombek, President (2024-2025), Connecticut Library Association
Take Action Now!
Connecticut's Washington delegation has historically been very supportive of libraries - but we mean it when we say that every voice still matters on this.
We've put together a helpful script you can use when calling your legislators. Check out our IMLS Advocacy Phone Script & Talking Points document, think of some illustrative examples you can share, then please, start dialing!
Phone Script With Talking Points
Looking for an easy place to start? Visit 5calls.org, or download the 5calls app via the Apple App Store or Google Play, to set your location, find your legislators, and make your voice heard!!
5calls Website
5calls App - Apple | 5calls App - Android
