A Presidential Executive Order signed on March 14, 2025 calls for the downsizing or elimination
of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency for
funding American library services.

How could this Executive Order impact your local library services?

The federal funds distributed by IMLS finance the New Hampshire Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
system, including transportation of materials.

In 2024, our library borrowed and lent 984 items via ILL.

At Freedom Public Library, ILL books are requested by local book groups and patrons wishing to
read books beyond the extent of our collection.

Congressionally-approved funds distributed by IMLS to the New Hampshire State Library
(NHSL) are used to provide access to e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines, on the Libby
app, as well as staffing for Talking Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program.

In 2024, Freedom Public Library patrons relied on these NHSL services, checking out
3,925 materials via the Libby app.

Without federal funding, these services may be in jeopardy.

Our goal is to provide you with the books and resources you seek. Without funding from the
IMLS, these programs are at significant risk.

If you are concerned about the potential impact of the downsizing or loss of IMLS on small rural
libraries like ours, we encourage you to reach out to our elected officials to voice your concern.
 
Click here to find contact information for NH state representatives.