Pennsylvania State Budget Passes - Increase for Public Libraries & LAMP
November 12, 2025

Public libraries across Pennsylvania were thrilled to learn that a budget has been passed by the House and the Senate, along with the legislative language to release funds to library district centers, libraries, and library systems. Even better, there is a $5 million dollar increase in the Public Library Subsidy, and an increase of $433,000 in the line for library services for the visually impaired and disabled (LAMP - Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians).

Every legislator had to be a part of the process, as well as the Governor. Thank you to all of our advocates who reached out to their legislators, shared our stories of impact, and worked hard to build relationships with elected officials. Now it is time for all of us to thank all of our legislators for getting the budget done, and for providing an increase to libraries. It matters to Cumberland County libraries and to libraries across the state.

To contact them, use the links on the left side of this webpage to find a legislator by name and district, or search by address at https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator.

Your support in contacting legislators to advocate for Pennsylvania’s public libraries is greatly appreciated!

 

Court Permanently Blocks Executive Order to Dismantle Federal Agency for America's Libraries
November 21, 2025

The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island struck down Executive Order 14238, which directed the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The decision was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states. Following the March 14, 2025 executive order, there was mass termination of the agency’s grants, dismissal of all members of the IMLS board, halting of crucial data collection and research, and voiced intention to lay off nearly all of the agency’s staff. These actions left IMLS unable to fulfill its duties required by federal law and interrupted library services across the country.

This court ruling found that those actions were arbitrary and capricious and contrary to federal law that established IMLS and directed it to carry out programs, including funding for libraries and museums across the nation. The ruling nullifies the Administration’s actions to dismantle IMLS and permanently prohibits taking such actions in the future. The ruling has immediate nationwide effect.

American Library Association President Sam Helmick said, “Today's court decision is a powerful affirmation of what libraries mean to America. It restores everything that the executive order tried to take away: shared access to books in rural and remote areas, essential virtual learning tools, children's reading programs and the countless library services available to anyone who walks into a public, school or academic library. This isn't just a win for the 21 states who filed the case--it's a win for every library user and every American in every state and territory.

“Convincing a federal judge that shuttering a supposedly obscure agency would have an immediate and devastating impact on millions of Americans is no small feat. Libraries also strengthen local economies by supporting jobseekers, small businesses and community learning. Protecting these resources matters. ALA is proud to be in the company of dozens of library workers, associations, Friends of libraries, parents, educators, leaders at every level of government and every American who showed up for our libraries.

“This victory belongs to all of us, and we build the future of our libraries together. As we celebrate this decision, ALA invites everyone to keep using and speaking up for libraries. Your voice makes a difference, and your community leaders need to hear it.”

IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to the nation’s libraries and museums. As Congress continues work to finalize appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026, advocates are urged to contact their Representatives and Senators in support of continued funding for the agency’s vital work. Use this form, or the contact information on this page to urge for their support to continued funding for libraries in the FY 2026 budget. In appropriations bills earlier this year, both the House and Senate included funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program.

LSTA grants support a range of services in our community, from job-seeker training, veterans assistance resources, home book delivery to older Americans, digital access points for rural communities, and more every day. The Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program supports school libraries and K-12 students across the country.