The Institute of Museum and Library Services has reinstated all grants that were terminated earlier this year after an executive order from President Trump. A brief notice on the agency’s website says the action “supersedes any prior notices which may have been received related to grant termination.”
IMLS, the independent federal agency that awards grants to libraries and museums, had cut off previously approved funding after the executive order. Library leaders warned the move hit small and rural libraries hardest, since they often lack other funding sources.
Attorneys general from 21 states sued over the administration’s action, and a federal judge in Rhode Island ruled in November that the terminations were unlawful. With the reinstatement, the libraries and museums affected can now access funds that had been in limbo for months.
American Library Association President Sam Helmick called the reversal a “massive win” for libraries nationwide, while stressing the outcome isn’t final: the administration could appeal the ruling and Congress could opt not to fund IMLS in future budgets. The ALA urged supporters to contact elected officials to press for continued federal support.
NPR has sought comment from IMLS. Although federal grants typically make up a small share of public library budgets, they fund workforce training, pilot projects and internet service for rural libraries. In 2024, IMLS awarded $266 million in grants to museums and libraries.