Executive order sparks concerns over funding cuts for state and local public libraries
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on March 14 has left many local and state public libraries feeling uncertain about possible funding disruptions for programs and services.
The March 14 executive order aims to continue the reduction of the federal bureaucracy. Per the order, seven federal agencies shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.
The seven agencies include the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the United States Agency for Global Media, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a federal agency that supports and provides funding to libraries and museums across the U.S.
“It helps us maximize programs and services and the collections that we have for the greatest community impact throughout the state,” said Grand Marais Public Library Director Amanda St. John.
Although President Trump has signed an executive order, Congress must provide final approval for it to take effect.
St. John said if Congress approves it, the services and resources at risk are eLibrary Minnesota, a collection of online education and research resources including newspaper articles, encyclopedias, magazines, and other multimedia sources; EbooksMN, a statewide ebook collection; and Minnesota Digital Library, an online historical archive.
“But the one that I am most concerned about is the Interlibrary Loan service,” St. John said.
The Interlibrary Loan, part of the Minitex network, is a resource shared by Minnesota libraries that allows access for the public to over 10 million items.
St. John said the Grand Marais Public Library holds over 24,000 physical items and, in 2024, shared 4,000 items with other libraries throughout the state. “We have a vital collection here in Grand Marais that we’re very proud of.”
In exchange, last year, St. John said the Grand Marais Public Library “received back 7,500 books or other materials.”
“So resource sharing allows us to maintain a vibrant local collection while offering access to a vast network of materials,” she said.
The reduction of federal funding and allocation of personnel to the minimum presence and function would impact access to online technology, resource sharing, and staffing, said St. John. “What would happen is it would come down through the state level and then have impacts regionally, and then have the impacts locally.”
“What we’re all wondering is the impact of the executive order. It will depend on the execution of it and it’s details,” St. John said. “Still, many of those cuts to IMLS funding could challenge our ability to maintain statewide services that we provide.”
In a March 18 statement regarding the executive order, the Minnesota Library Association said, “As centers of literacy and innovation, Minnesota’s 359 public, 1,800 school, 90 academic, 140 special, and 5 tribal libraries- deserve more, not less, support.”
In 2023, Minnesota public libraries saw 15.46 million visitors, according to the statement.
Despite the uncertainties about future funding at this time, St. John said the “Grand Marais Public Library isn’t going anywhere.”
She said local tax dollars and generous donations from the community, including the Library Friends of Cook County, support the library. “I still would encourage everybody to learn about this issue and stay informed about it. You can also send letters to Congress,” St. John said.
WTIP’s Mark Abrahamson spoke with Grand Marais Public Library Director Amanda St. John about the March 14 executive order and what it means for potential funding disruptions for state and local public libraries. The audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins March 25, 2025
