Support Libraries!
Support Federal Library Funding
What’s at Stake for Wisconsin Libraries?
On March 14, an executive order was issued that led to the shutdown of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS, a small federal agency with around 70 employees, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries, archives, museums, and zoos. IMLS distributes more than $200 million annually, including millions in federal funds to Wisconsin. At just .0046% of the federal budget, these funds provide immeasurable benefits to communities across the country, particularly in rural areas.
This shuttering of the IMLS puts crucial services at risk across the country—and especially here in Wisconsin. Federal law requires IMLS to provide support to public libraries, but that support is currently only guaranteed through September 2025. Advocating for your local library is crucial right now!
You can help.
- Reach out to your federal legislators by phone, email, or mail to share your support and express why IMLS funding is important for our community libraries. You can even pick up free postcards at the Olson Memorial Library!
Sen. Tammy Baldwin
202-224-5653 (DC Office)
715-832-8424 (Eau Claire Office)
141 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Sen. Ron Johnson
202-224-5323 (DC Office)
920-230-7250 (Oshkosh Office)
328 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Rep. Tom Tiffany
202-225-3365 (DC Office)
715-298-9344 (Wausau Office)
451 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
- You can also record a video story to share with the Department of Public Instruction, the state library agency.
- For more information on what this means for Wisconsin libraries and what you can do, visit https://mywisconsinlibrary.org/.
Other Ways to Support Libraries
Support State Library Funding
Every two years, Wisconsin sets a biennial budget that includes funding to library services, and 2025 is a state budget year.
As costs for core library services continue to rise, we are asking for library supporters to turn out at public budget meetings with the Joint Finance Committee to stand behind our speakers and demonstrate with numbers public support for library funding.
There are two public budget meetings in our region:
Hayward Joint Finance Committee Budget Hearing
If you would like to attend (or learn more), please check out this registration form.
Monday, April 28, 10am-5pm
Hayward High School Auditorium
10320 Greenwood Lane, Hayward, WI 54843
Wisconsin Library Association coordinators: Katherine Elchert & JohnThompson
Wausau Joint Finance Committee Budget Hearing
Tuesday, April 29, 10am-5pm
Northcentral Technical College, Center for Health Sciences
1000 W. Campus Dr. Wausau, WI 54401
Wisconsin Library Association coordinators: Kris Adams Wendt & Marla Sepnafski
Support Local Municipal Funding
The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library is the public library for 6 municipalities: Cloverland, Conover, Eagle River, Lincoln, St. Germain, & Washington.
It’s important to help keep our elected officials informed about the impact of the Olson Library in our community – all year long.
If you have a story or positive experience to share about the Library, please let us know or reach out to your local elected officials to thank them for supporting our services and resources.
Direct Support for OML
Learn how you donate directly to the Olson Memorial Library to support our services and resources – as well as other ways to get involved with the Library – here.