[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#33725b” custom_padding=”20px|20px|15px|20px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”11px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.aramlibrary.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMLS-GUILLOTINE-small.png” alt=”Logo for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in a guillotine.” title_text=”IMLS GUILLOTINE small” disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
On March 14, President Trump signed an Executive Order <\/a><\/span>involving the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and six other federal agencies.<\/strong><\/p>\n The executive order decrees:<\/p>\n Learn more about what this means here: FAQ: Executive Order Targeting IMLS<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On March 21, 2025, the President replaced the agency\u2019s leadership with the Deputy Secretary of Labor.<\/strong> Without leadership and staff, it\u2019s expected that library funding will be halted.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On March 31, 2025, all Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) employees were placed on administrative leave, with access to their work systems blocked.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”94px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(224,43,32,0.13)” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This action puts crucial services at risk across the country\u2014and especially here in Wisconsin. Federal law requires IMLS to provide support to public libraries, but that support is currently only guaranteed through September 2025.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”11px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”11px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.aramlibrary.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Speak-Up-For-Libraries-Logo-A-01-768×307-1.png” alt=”Speak up for libraries” title_text=”Speak-Up-For-Libraries-Logo-A-01-768×307″ url=”https:\/\/mywisconsinlibrary.org\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Since 1997, Wisconsin has received over $55 million in IMLS funding through 248 grants. Many of these grants were matched by state, local, or private dollars\u2014leveraging additional investment and expanding impact. <\/strong>Here are some areas for which the funding was used:<\/p>\n \n Access & Equity:<\/strong> IMLS funds support BadgerLink and WISCAT, giving Wisconsinites access to online databases and interlibrary loans statewide.<\/p>\n Internet Access:<\/strong> Grants help libraries provide internet hotspots, improve broadband, and boost digital literacy\u2014vital in rural areas.<\/p>\n Innovation & Services:<\/strong> Funding supports modernizing libraries, launching new programs, and addressing workforce and business needs.<\/p>\n Staff Development:<\/strong> Grants fund training and education for library staff, ensuring quality services across all communities.<\/p>\n System Support:<\/strong> IMLS boosts Wisconsin\u2019s 15 public library systems, enabling shared catalogs and efficient delivery services.<\/p>\n Funding Overview:<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/mywisconsinlibrary.org\/” button_text=”Learn more about the impact on WI Libraries.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”rgba(224,43,32,0.86)” button_border_color=”#000000″ background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”11px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.aramlibrary.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Show-Up-for-Libraries-call-green.png” alt=”Phone icon and %22Speak up for libraries%22 logo.” title_text=”Show Up for Libraries call green” url=”https:\/\/app.oneclickpolitics.com\/campaign-page?cid=2CzAyJUB9sorxFLO5KSZ&lang=en” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-4bcaad69-ea31-463a-962c-3e229b191acb%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Use this form to make a call<\/a> in support of federal library funding. Enter your address in the form, and then click the call button to receive a phone call that connects you with your elected officials.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.aramlibrary.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Show-Up-for-Libraries-email-green.png” alt=”Email icon and %22Speak up for libraries%22 logo.” title_text=”Show Up for Libraries email green” url=”https:\/\/app.oneclickpolitics.com\/campaign-page?cid=9CyapZUB9sorxFLO4J0c&lang=en%20″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-4bcaad69-ea31-463a-962c-3e229b191acb%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Use this form to email<\/a> your members of Congress. Enter your address in the form, and then click the “Send email” button to contact your elected officials. Your customized message means the most \u2013 tell your story! Consider sharing how your library impacts your life and what the disappearance of a specific service would mean to you.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.aramlibrary.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Show-Up-for-Libraries-social-media-green.png” alt=”Phone icon with social media icons and %22Speak up for libraries%22 logo.” title_text=”Show Up for Libraries social media green” url=”https:\/\/www.ala.org\/advocacy\/show-our-libraries-social-media-toolkit” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-4bcaad69-ea31-463a-962c-3e229b191acb%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Follow this link<\/a> for social media graphics and sample social posts to help get the word out.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.aramlibrary.org\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Show-Up-for-Libraries-videos-green.png” alt=”Phone icon with a video play button and %22Speak up for libraries%22 logo.” title_text=”Show Up for Libraries videos green” url=”https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSebblyaeQ_7d02Ddft52Rk-JF4POXEbGQly2XnmDQ4xG3ppQg\/viewform” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-4bcaad69-ea31-463a-962c-3e229b191acb%22:%91%22header_text_color%22,%22header_3_text_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is looking to humanize the impact of federal funding on our public libraries via short video “testimonials.” These videos will be compiled and published on the DPI’s social media. Record a short video on your cell phone, computer, or tablet. Ideally, the video would be about 30-45 seconds (up to 1-minute maximum) and would speak to the importance of federal funding as it relates to public libraries (e.t. literacy, job search resources, interlibrary loan, eBooks\/Audio materials). For example, you could answer such questions as:<\/p>\n\n
\nHow does IMLS impact Wisconsin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Since 1997, Wisconsin has received $55M in IMLS funds through 248 grants, including $3.2M in 2024 alone\u2014supporting tech, education, and access statewide.<\/p>\n
\nWhat can you do?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Call Your Members of Congress<\/a><\/h3>\n
2. Email Your Members of Congress.<\/a><\/h3>\n
3. Help spread the Word on Social Media.<\/a><\/h3>\n
4. Share a Short Video<\/a><\/h3>\n