Libraries across Michigan are bracing for the effects of an executive order from the White House this month to reduce or eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The IMLS provides grants to states across the country, awarding more than $8 million to Michigan last year. More than half of that went to the Library of Michigan, which in turn trickled the funds own to local libraries. About $1.6 million went to individual libraries.
Lincoln Township Library Director Joelle Wake tells us her institution did receive IMLS funds recently.
“This past year, we did receive a IMLS grant through the state library here, which is federal funding for a VR book discussion group,” Wake said. “It’s called Ageless Adventures. So we did get $12,000 in order to purchase VR headsets.”
That program enables seniors to take part in reading discussions. Wake says she was also able to attend a conference with a professional development grant that came down through IMLS.
As we’ve reported, the biggest effect of an IMLS elimination would be the end of the Michigan Electronic Library — or MeL — and MeLCat. Wake says that enables libraries throughout Michigan to borrow books for their patrons from other libraries, greatly expanding what they can offer.
“It makes available to us an endless amount of materials, whereas if we were still just sharing within Berrien County or at least a locality of the 13 libraries or something, it would still limit our access to a lot of things.”
Wake says the Lincoln Township Library last year had a total of 6,260 items go in and out of their building through MeLCat. Lincoln Township Library patrons borrowed 4,987 books from other libraries, while they loaned out 1,273. Wake says that program would end in September if it’s being defunded.
We asked if the library could set up some kind of sharing partnership with other nearby libraries in the event of such a cut, and Wake said it might be possible, but it would present shipping challenges and not be as robust.
Wake urges anyone concerned about the issue to reach out to their member of Congress.
