Dear Neighbors,
Like you, the Hopkinton Library Board of Trustees holds our library in high regard and deep appreciation. We take our role of fortifying and championing our library seriously. Unfortunately, the need to advocate for this institution has arrived at our doorstep, so we are informing you about new challenges and asking for your help.
Executive Order 14238 called for dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and all IMLS staff have been placed on leave. This loss in funding means that all Massachusetts public and school libraries are losing access to databases (Gale, ProQuest, and Britannica Online) and the Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat) book sharing system. CW MARS libraries like ours are losing partial funding for Libby, the app for e-books and e-audiobooks, and the Libby collection will shrink. Our library has specifically benefitted from IMLS grants for accessibility and historic preservation, two attributes that are core to our Hopkinton identity. The future availability of such grants is unlikely.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee proposed level funding for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, but this will not replace the lost federal funds.
There was a time when reading material was available only to clergy and the considerably wealthy (Digital Public Library of America; A History of US Public Libraries). In 1731, Benjamin Franklin’s discussion club of merchants pooled funds for a membership-only library. After the Civil War, public libraries began to be established with a mission to serve the needs of the general public. Library systems have grown in their ability to fulfil that mission since that time and now provide access to and participation in information broadly, regardless of ability to pay.
Because libraries are important to our democracy, the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees have turned to the judicial branch by filing a lawsuit to stop these cuts, which will illegally eliminate programs Congress (our legislative branch) has provided funding for. We are asking you to help, too. Here are some ways:
- Get a library card and find a new library service to use – this will help you advocate!
- Contact our elected officials about protecting libraries and reinstating library funding.
- Join the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library and/or the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.
- Sign ALA’s petition, Show Up For Our Libraries, and consider financially supporting the ALA’s work at any dollar amount.
- Raise awareness about this issue on social media (ALA communication toolkit can help).
- Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about this issue and how you’ve helped.
We encourage you to express your feelings about this funding termination to our state representatives. While we are dismayed by these actions, please know that we intend to make every effort to continue to provide the high-quality library services our wonderful community values.
With best wishes,
Hopkinton Library Board of Trustees