>> the >> Institute of Museum and Library Services or I MLS provides federal funding to museums and libraries across the country.

That funding is currently in limbo last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the agency resulting in the entire staff being placed on administrative leave.

Some say this move could result in the loss of critical programs and services in every state, especially in rural areas.

Joining us on zoom with more.

Our John Fisher, director of Normal Public Library and Cindy whole president of the American Library Association.

Thanks to both for joining us.

Cindy, whoa, let's start with you.

Please give us, you know, sort of a wraparound.

What other services do libraries provide that could be at risk as a result of this executive order.

>> Libraries provide a wealth of resources to their local community, especially in rural and small areas where residents may not be able to afford access to the Internet in their home.

So they come to the library to check email to apply for jobs and benefits.

2.

Update the rest of me to write a paper.

There are so many different uses for the Internet.

And this is one way that light Breeze Bridge.

The digital divide along with providing services to senior citizens and homes.

Those who are homebound or have low vision and they need these materials delivered to them with 125,000 libraries in the U.S. there are no to that are the same.

And we all serve communities in unique ways providing literacy based programs and making sure that everyone has access to the information that they need to live their best lives.

>> John, the I M L S offers 5.7 million dollars a year to more than 200 libraries in Illinois alone.

A portion of that funding could impact the library delivery system called Rails.

Tell us about that and and how it will impact your branch.

>> So thank you, is this is one system in Illinois that serves over 27,000 square miles, delivery space and these items, it's more than just books.

These can be really videos.

rare audio recordings or popular materials and then transported from library to library so that we can share in the resources that each community holds, that this delivery goes away.

It will.

How will people local libraries right here?

We have community members that use this delivery service every single day.

We estimate over 40,000 items roll through our doors for our community.

Residents coming through the rails delivery so it will hurt us hard.

>> Cindi just today, the all released or annual State of America's libraries report showing more than 70% of attempted book bans come from organized groups and elected officials compared to 16% originating with parents.

What does that tell you?

>> Knows that the behavior continues with these organized groups and perhaps they're not even library users or readers for that matter.

It's concerning because we have to use my Bree resources and that means local tax dollars when library staff go through the process of moving materials, challenge.

We have to read the books.

We have to get a committee together.

We have evaluate the material and write a report.

You know, that takes time and resources.

And so if we're hearing that 5% are actually individuals and 16% are parents, that leaves a hole.

bunch of people down this trail thinking that this is central problem when in reality it's organized groups that are targeting libraries and fairly.

>> The part of the release annual port.

You will also included your 10 most challenged books as you usually do.

This is a 2024, including George in Johnson's.

All boys aren't blue and the bluest eye by the late author Toni Morrison.

Cindy, what are you all noticing about?

The the intent, both behind calling out these books or books like these?

>> Since 2022?

Really we've seen that the behavior continues to turn.

Get characters or even authors who are black, indigenous people of color or those streamlines from the lgbtqia plus community.

And so when you see that there's a rather new author, but then 20 Morrison on there.

You know, Tony's work has been challenged for decades.

So this isn't new activity.

It just happens to be the latest wave of activity regarding attempted censorship in America.

>> According to the National Literacy Institute in 2024, 21% of adults in the U.S. are illiterate.

54% of adults have a literacy below 6th grade level.

John, how could dismantling the I M L S impact literacy rates and the work that libraries do increasing those.

>> Well, I think because the research that goes into literacy rates and how we can aid in correcting literacy rates in our communities is threatened by a lack less funds.

And this is really important on the local level, you know, as Cindy mentioned, library support seniors, people with disabilities, children and parents struggling to make ends meet veterans job seekers.

People experiencing homelessness and everyone that comes to the library is using a service collection or attending an event that makes a difference in their life.

literacy along with all of those is just as important to the libraries that supporting their communities trying their best to make a thriving community.

I every community is served by its library and we really want to have thriving communities served by thriving libraries and funding is is is top stop.

is top of mind.

>> Trains of making a thriving library.

>> The presidential the Trump administration issued a statement recently saying, quote, President Trump was given a clear mandate by the American people and his executive order delivers on that by reducing federal bureaucracy.

This restructure is a necessary step to fulfill that order and ensure hard earned tax dollars and not diverted to discriminatory dei initiatives or divisive.

Anti-american programming in our cultural institutions.

These changes will strengthen.

Nonetheless, his ability to serve the American people with integrity and purpose Sunday.

How do you respond to that statement?

>> The freezer for everyone and we provide every the equal access to information and ideas.

So when we hear that, this is 0, 0, 3%, of the federal budget, kids to $0.75 per American.

I don't know how we could consider that to be wasteful, especially when we're bridging some of divides and meeting so many unmet needs in communities.

Why breeze or her readers?

And we're going to do our very best to keep doors open and make sure that.

Libraries are closed, especially in smaller, rural areas where that library might be the only free and open community space available to people.

When talking about diversity.

That is the strength of this great nation.

When we talk about equity, that means every American we talk about inclusion.

That also means everyone who lives >> And Cindy, briefly, what recourse is there restoring I MLS funding.

>> Well, you know, this executive order could be stopped or limited by Congress, enacting a law that overrides the president's action court could also overturn the proof provision of the executive order actions taken to implement that executive order or find it in violation of the Constitution.

And President Trump or a future president could also rescind or modify the executive order.

>> Ok, John, we've got about 25 seconds.

How would you say American libraries have helped to shape the identity of the country?

>> You know, I think goes back to a of what just said.

You know, reading and literacy.

It's very important to the local communities people come in for all sorts of reasons.

we want to support the growth of our communities so that they can live the life that they're dreaming to live.

And looking to help them succeed.

That's where.

>> Thank you so much.

That's