On April 6, a federal court granted the Trump Administration’s request to withdraw its appeal of a federal judge’s earlier ruling that struck down the Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries.
The dismissal brings to an end a lawsuit filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states in April 2025. In a decision issued on November 21, 2025, the federal District Court for the District of Rhode Island nullified the administration’s actions to dismantle IMLS and permanently barred the administration from taking further steps to eliminate the agency.
ALA President Sam Helmick said in a statement, “Today’s action finally lays to rest President Trump’s executive order that threatened countless library services available to anyone who walks into one of our nation’s 115,000 public, school, academic, and other libraries.
“This is a triumph for everyone who values access to information, education and opportunity. Libraries can move forward with confidence that IMLS funding will be available to sustain the vital services communities rely on. However, we cannot forget that President Trump is still asking Congress to end funding for IMLS. That decision is partly in the hands of constituents. Library supporters must call on Congress to protect the future of IMLS.”
In a statement, ALA expressed gratitude for the leadership of the 21 state Attorneys General who filed the case, Rhode Island v. Trump. Separately, the Association filed its own lawsuit challenging the Administration’s actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In May 2025, ALA’s lawsuit won a temporary restraining order, which prevented the mass layoff of nearly all IMLS employees, days before it was scheduled to take effect. That case is pending.
ALA has led efforts in Congress to preserve IMLS, mobilizing thousands of library supporters to urge Congress to protect IMLS and library funding. As Congress moves forward with Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations, ALA is calling on library advocates across the country to urge their congressmembers to sustain funding for the agency’s vital work. Having won a slight increase in library funding in FY 2026, advocates are urging their Senators to sign “Dear Appropriator” letters supporting funding for the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by IMLS.
How can you help?
We need library supporters nationwide to contact their U.S. Senators. It’s easy to do using our simple form here.
Along with contacting your Senators before the April 17 deadline, you can help spread the word about on social media and share the impact of IMLS funding in your library or state using our pre-made graphics. Remember to tag your posts with #FundLibraries.
Thank you for your efforts to help #FundLibraries!
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