Our committee addresses many education and library related topics that are now front and center with current emphasis on school funding inequities.
2025 Goals
Support adequate and equitable funding for public schools and libraries through education and advocacy.
Understand the impact of federal policies on public education nationwide and locally.
Support increased diversity on school boards and commissions.
CURRENT ISSUES & NEWS OF INTEREST TO OUR COMMITTEE
Trump Administration Moves to Shut Down Funding for Libraries
The current administration has been threatening to deactivate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and did so on Monday, March 31, by placing all employees on administrative leave, requiring them to turn in any government property, disabling their emails, and escorting them from the building.
The IMLS is an independent agency that provides grants to our museums and libraries to help fund staff, fund maintenance and create new programs.
Congress created IMLS by law in 1996, with bipartisan support, and Republican and Democratic Presidents have re-authorized spending, including most recently by President Trump in 2018.
Congress was explicit in the 2018 Museum and Library Services Act that the institute is statutorily required to send federal funding to state libraries under the Grants to States program. This program covers one-third to one-half of state library agencies.
Most local public libraries are funded by local property and sales taxes; however, grant opportunities provide funding for a variety of state and local services — including workforce development, digital literacy, after-school programs for children, and field trips for students to visit museums and historical sites.
The agency is also a major source of funding for internet connectivity programs in rural areas. OverDrive, which distributes digital products such as audiobooks, newspapers, e-books and movies, will potentially see cuts by small and rural libraries effectively limiting the services they offer.
Our libraries are a vital piece of our community fabric and must continue to receive funding in order to serve all patrons with the resources that are vital to making our Democracy work.
What can you do?
EveryLibrary offers you the opportunity to urge Congress to continue federal funding for libraries HERE
Call on Congress to protect library funding HERE
Sue Ream
Co-Chair, Education and Library Committee
Our committee hosted and planned the November 5th Member Meeting presentation.
MARIN County Hires New Director of Library Services
Lana Adlawan to bring her passion for innovation and equity to Marin
San Rafael, CA – Lana Adlawan, Division Manager for the Sonoma County Library system, is the County of Marin’s choice to take over as Director of the Marin County Free Library.
