Protest library funding cuts

Public libraries are the heart of our community, offering free resources, literacy programs and lifelong learning for people of all ages and backgrounds. But now, their future is at risk because the Trump administration has effectively dismantled the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a critical source of federal funding for libraries.

Libraries rely on IMLS grants to serve children, parents, job seekers and seniors — especially in already underserved areas. Funding cuts don’t “save” taxpayer money; they steal opportunity from families who depend on libraries for books, internet access and educational support.

As a result, Michigan libraries have already announced they must shut down beloved programs. Additionally, the future of Michigan’s interlibrary loan system, MeLCat, is now unclear. What is clear, however, is that losing MeLCat would cripple library users’ access to books and other resources from libraries across the state.

If we believe in equity, literacy and strong communities, we must demand that Congress fully restore the IMLS, including the reinstatement of all laid-off employees. Our libraries — and the people they serve — can’t afford silence.

Rowan La Barbera
East Lansing