16 May IMLS Funding Cut
As of March 14, the federal government has begun significantly cutting funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Being the only federal agency that financially supports libraries, museums, and cultural institutions across the country, this places our local libraries in a risky position. IMLS allocates $15 million specifically to Libraries in California, but with this executive order in place, our libraries will struggle to upkeep certain services.
While the Santa Barbara Public Library is primarily funded at the local level, IMLS grants play a vital role in supporting essential services and programs that our community relies on. These include Adult Literacy services like SBPL Works, helping job-seekers and learners of all ages build essential skills, and cultural celebrations such as Raíces y Sueños, fostering a space where community members can create meaningful connections with one another and celebrate their culture. IMLS funding also supports initiatives like Lunch at the Library, providing free nutritious meals to youth, and affordable broadband services, ensuring that all residents have access to the digital world.
The situation is not new, as Libraries have been experiencing budget cuts and defunding since 2016. Locally, Santa Barbara voters helped stabilize the Library’s budget by passing Measure I, which dedicates a portion of sales tax revenue to essential services, including Library operations. The Library is recognized by the county as an essential service, working to change lives and provide free access to education and essential services every day. Even with the support from Measure I, our Library remains vulnerable due to ongoing funding reductions.
At the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation, our mission is to make sure Santa Barbara’s Library remains not just good, but exceptional. In times like these, that means ensuring the Library’s Foundation is resilient to these changes and deeply committed to defending essential services in preparation for the future. As Library lovers and supporters transition into Library defenders, we need community support now more than ever.
On behalf of the Santa Barbara Public Library, an important cornerstone of our community and a branch of democracy, we, the Foundation, invite you to help us advocate for continued investment in the programs that serve our community.
To learn more about how to take action, please visit sblibraryfoundation.org/advocacy
Posted by SBPLF Intern Briana Ibarra-
Briana is a fourth-year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in Communication with a minor in Professional Writing on the Civic Engagement track. She hopes to apply her communication and writing skills to a career in marketing or public relations after graduation.
