Who We Serve:
Fossil Ridge Public Library District proudly serves 14,254 residents across 160 square miles, including Braidwood, Bonfield, Braceville, Custer Park, Essex, Gardner, Godley, and South Wilmington communities.
1. What is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)?
IMLS is the primary federal agency that supports libraries and museums in the United States. It funds state libraries, supports grants, and strengthens library services nationwide.
2. Why is IMLS funding in the news?
A recent executive order proposes eliminating or reducing the IMLS's non-statutory functions. While this proposal may face legal and political scrutiny, it has prompted national concerns about the potential loss of vital library support.
On March 31, the entire Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff was placed on paid administrative leave for up to 90 days.
On April 2, 127 members of the House of Representatives signed a letter urging the current president to reconsider his executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Read the letter.
On April 4, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 21 attorney generals in filing a lawsuit against the current
administration to halt the dismantling of the IMLS and two other federal agencies. Read the brief summary & review the lawsuit.
3. How much federal funding goes to libraries through IMLS?
In 2024, IMLS awarded $266.7 million to museums, libraries, and archives across the U.S. This amounts to 0.003% of the federal budget or 75 cents per person.
4. How does IMLS funding impact Illinois?
$5.7 million was awarded to the Illinois State Library in FY2025 (6th highest in the nation). While federal IMLS funding has been approved through September 2025, the funds have not yet been distributed to state libraries, and there
is no timeline for when they will be received.
RAILS (Reaching Across Illinois Library System), which supports delivery services and interlibrary loans across the state, relies on IMLS for over $1 million of its $15 million annual budget.
5. How could this impact Fossil Ridge Public Library District?
Fossil Ridge receives Per Capita Grant funding ($21,167.19 / $1.48 per resident) from the Illinois State Library, partially supported by IMLS.
These grants support:
- Technology upgrades
- Staff Training and Leadership Development
- Materials delivery between libraries (interlibrary loan)
- Participation in shared programming and resource-sharing systems
Should IMLS funding be reduced, services like book delivery, online databases, and staff training may be affected, especially for our neighboring libraries with limited local tax bases.
6. What other services are at risk for reduction if federal funds are cut?
- OCLC services (library cataloging and interlibrary loan)
- Project Next Generation (youth and digital literacy programs)
- Continuing education for library staff and leadership
- Public library trustee training
- Programs like Illinois Libraries Present for shared virtual events
7. What can community members do to stay informed or support?
- Follow the Illinois State Library, RAILS, and the American Library Association for updates.
- Read the Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact study for statistics on library benefits.
- Read State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias’ statement: IMLS funding cuts
8. Share Your Story:
- Let local and federal leaders know how you use and value library services: ALA campaign: Show Up for Our Libraries
- Stay Neutral, Stay Engaged: This is not a partisan issue. Libraries are neutral spaces that serve all people, and we encourage respectful and constructive community engagement. WE SERVE EVERYONE.
Fossil Ridge Public Library District is committed to access, literacy, and life-long learning. No matter what changes happen at the federal level, we will continue to serve our communities as best we can.
Questions/Concerns:
Executive Director, Rene Leyva at: Phone: 815-458-2187 ext.110 / Email: rleyva@fossilridge.org / Website: www.fossilridge.org