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Update on Funding Cuts to IMLS

On March 14, 2025, the current Federal administration issued executive order 14238 which provided only enough federal funds to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to close its operation. As a result, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) prepared for this current fiscal year which began July 1st by eliminating various research databases in anticipation of financial uncertainty since prior to the executive order, the MBLC received $3.6 million from the IMLS to support statewide library services and grants to local libraries. In the ensuing months, several states, including Massachusetts, filed lawsuits to prevent shuttering IMLS and organizations such as the American Library Association (ALA) and EveryLibrary Action among others urged everyone to contact members of Congress to support federal funding for libraries. The good news is that on September 2nd, the House Appropriations released its version of the FY 2026 budget bill that includes $291.8 million for IMLS. In its version the Senate included $295 million for IMLS funding. This is a $3 million reduction from the previous year, FY2025, but it is still a significant increase and a reversal from the President’s budget which included $6 million to shutter the agency.  - Tavi Prugno, Director of Snow Library

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Lifetime Learning begins Sept. 30

The Friends of Snow Library’s fall 2025 Lifetime Learning session begins on Tuesday, Sept. 30 with 23 new courses presented using a hybrid format, meaning that courses will be presented simultaneously in person in the library’s Craine Room and on Zoom. This session, continuing through Thursday, Nov. 20, features something for everyone and includes popular past presenters as well as exciting new ones.

Courses run from one to four classes in length and most are held during the day from 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3 p.m. Most are recorded and can be viewed at a time convenient to you. Course descriptions and online registration will be available beginning Sept. 2 at www.friendsofsnowlibrary.org/lifetime-learning-program. Brochures and registration forms will also be available at Snow Library, 67 Main St., Orleans. A donation of $10 per course is suggested, which supports library programs.

Follow the Friends of Snow Library on social media for ongoing Lifetime Learning information. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Snow-Library, Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/friends_of_snow_library/) and Threads (https://www.threads.net@friends_of_snow_library).

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Click on the book jackets to see our newest arrivals

 

Photo Tor Hansen