AREA TOWNS — In the wake of the onslaught of federal budget cuts, area librarians are speaking out about the potential impacts to services in our area and more.
In an executive order issued March 14, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and other agencies were targeted by the current administration’s efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy. The IMLS is an independent federal agency that provides grants to libraries and museums across the country. Already a small institution, the agency has around 70 employees nationwide. On March 31, the institute placed its entire staff on leave.
“The part that worries me is the impact to the interlibrary loan program and the eBooks and audiobooks. Apparently the funds should be okay to 2027, but who knows?” said Library Director Diane Grenkow of the Jeudevine Memorial Library. Other area librarians had similar questions and concerns.
Library Services Librarian Bianca Caputo of the Greensboro Free Library, said Vermont’s libraries depend on IMLS funding to support initiatives outlined in the state’s 2023–2027 Library Services and Technology Act five-year plan.
Library Director Susan O’Connell of the Craftsbury Public Library said, while libraries in Vermont do not receive any direct state aid from the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), funds the Vermont Department of Libraries receive are integral to the services they are able to provide the community.
According to Caputo, at risk from this executive order is their interlibrary loan program. Over 60% of the cost for this resource sharing program is funded by a federal grant. “This program allows the residents of Greensboro and surrounding towns equitable access to materials, since our budget can’t support a comprehensive collection.
O’Connell says, last year they were able to get over 450 books for patrons through interlibrary loan services, which are supported with IMLS funding. Numerous readers in Craftsbury receive large print books or downloadable books from the state’s ABLE Library which exists to ensure those with difficulty reading can continue to enjoy books, and is funded with IMLS funding.
Caputo said much of the same thing, “For patrons who are blind, dyslexic or print disabled, access to the ABLE library, which ensures there is equitable access to reading materials, is at risk.”
She added, “Youth and early literacy programs are at risk. Adult programming that promotes community well being and adult literacy is at risk.”
Our patrons will likely lose access to databases like Kanopy or Project Palace, which allow for digital access to flexible learning,” said Caputo. “Our staff’s ability to access training and continuing education is imperiled.
O’Connell concurred,“Our staff attends workshops and receives library certification through the continuing education offerings the state is able to provide. This funding ensures I have library consultants who can help me with technology issues, library cataloging questions, policy development and how to handle patrons with mental health crises or threatening behavior. This loss is a huge blow to library services, here in Craftsbury and throughout the state.”
O’Connell said the additional news that funding for the Vermont Humanities Council through the National Endowment for the Humanities has been cut is another blow that will have a serious effect on their ability to provide programming.
“Funds from the Vermont Humanities Council allowed us to offer a Vermont Reads discussion of the book ‘Gather’ with author Kenneth Cadow, funds humanities talks such as the talk on Jeudevine with Nadine Budbill later this month and provides books and training in early literacy initiatives.
“Just last week the children’s librarian and I attended an early literacy conference where we learned more about brain development, shared ideas for story times and book collections, and came home with over 20 new books that we will use in our collection and share with the local preschools.”
O’Connell says without these funds, they will have to cut back on their programming unless they can increase the budget.
With federal funding potentially unavailable, other area libraries may be forced to do the same.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
