Trustees briefed on MBLC/IMLS funding uncertainty; director urges awareness and local advocacy

Director Chris Barbera alerted trustees to recent changes at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) caused by uncertainty in federal IMLS (Institute of Museum and Library Services) funding. She said MBLC indicated some grants already awarded may be rescinded or put on hold while the federal funding situation is unresolved.

Barbera and trustees discussed potential downstream effects: reduced E-rate support (which helps libraries with lower-cost Internet access), rescinded grant awards, and general pressure on state-level program funding for libraries. Barbera emphasized the library’s relatively stable local budgeting and trust funds and that Hubbardston is not facing immediate cuts, but she said smaller and more rural towns may be more exposed. Trustees discussed the possibility of local advocacy — contacting federal representatives — and public messaging during National Library Appreciation Week to raise awareness of the funding threat.

Why it matters: cuts or rescissions at the MBLC level could reduce support for library services statewide, with disproportionate effects on rural libraries dependent on state and federal aid.

Next steps: trustees agreed to monitor MBLC communications, consider local advocacy or public outreach as part of Library Appreciation Week, and watch for concrete notices about rescinded awards.