Executive Order Threatens Funding for Nation's Libraries and Museums

Executive Order Puts Library and Museum Funding at Risk

Across the United States, libraries and museums face an uncertain future due to a new executive order from the administration. This move, reflecting broader efforts by anti-union groups and wealthy individuals, threatens critical public services.

The March 14 directive highlights the closure of several federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which plays a vital role in funding educational and cultural programs nationwide.

IMLS grants are crucial, especially for smaller and rural libraries and museums that rely heavily on federal support to maintain programs such as summer reading initiatives and technological upgrades.

Should the initiative to dismantle IMLS succeed, it could lead to significant budget reductions, affecting programs and staffing levels in these institutions.

Although many libraries and museums receive a small fraction of their budgets from IMLS, some, like the Colorado State Library, depend on it for nearly 60% of their funding as reported by Library Journal.

Members of AFSCME Cultural Workers United are employed in many institutions that benefit from IMLS grants. They, along with other cultural workers, face potential job reductions or eliminations.

AFSCME is committed to defending public services and supporting cultural workers against these challenges.

Organizing through union membership is one effective strategy to combat threats from anti-union forces and wealthy interests. The Get Organized initiative encourages workers at cultural institutions to unite and resist these efforts.

As the largest organization for cultural workers, AFSCME Cultural Workers United represents 42,000 employees across the nation, offering a united front against these attacks.