Grand Rapids, MI — Michigan’s libraries and museums are bracing for the potential fallout from a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on March 14. The order, titled “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” seeks to downsize the federal government and eliminate several agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The proposal has raised concerns among cultural and educational institutions across the state, which rely heavily on federal funding and resources.
IMLS is a key federal agency that supports libraries and museums nationwide, providing grants, professional development, and other resources to enhance public access to educational and cultural programming. In Michigan, local institutions such as the Ann Arbor District Library and the University of Michigan’s Museum of Art have long benefited from IMLS support. These institutions play a central role in community engagement, literacy initiatives, and the preservation of historical and artistic heritage.
The executive order targets the elimination of several federal agencies, branding the services they provide as “unnecessary” and urging that they be reduced or eliminated “to the maximum extent possible under the law.” If implemented, the move could have far-reaching consequences for libraries and museums across the country, leaving many uncertain about the future of their programs.
The IMLS funding helps support a variety of programs aimed at enhancing public access to cultural and educational resources. These include outreach efforts, preservation of historical archives, and initiatives to improve digital literacy in underserved communities. The potential loss of such funding could result in the scaling back or outright closure of many programs that depend on these resources.
In Michigan, local officials and administrators are already discussing contingency plans. The Ann Arbor District Library, which serves a diverse population of nearly 120,000 people, is one of many institutions that could be directly affected. Library Director Josie Rees expressed concern over the potential cuts, noting that federal support has been critical in maintaining a range of educational and community-focused services.
“We have benefited greatly from IMLS grants, which help us provide more than just books,” Rees said. “From STEM education initiatives to cultural programming, these funds are essential to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the tools they need for personal and academic growth.”
For museums, the loss of IMLS funding could also threaten critical preservation and outreach programs. The University of Michigan’s Museum of Art, one of the state’s premier cultural institutions, frequently relies on federal grants to support exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts. A reduction in federal funding would likely force museums to seek alternative sources of revenue or scale back public-facing programs.
While some proponents of the executive order argue that cutting unnecessary agencies would streamline government operations and reduce federal spending, many in the cultural sector contend that the services IMLS provides are integral to public education and cultural enrichment. Without federal support, these institutions could struggle to maintain the high-quality services that have long been available to the public.
At a time when the role of libraries and museums is more important than ever, advocates are calling on lawmakers to preserve funding for these essential services. In Ann Arbor, local community leaders are exploring ways to strengthen ties with state and local governments to ensure the continuation of programs vital to the cultural and educational fabric of the region.
For now, Michigan’s libraries and museums remain in a state of uncertainty, awaiting further developments as the executive order moves through the legislative process. Should the cuts proceed, the future of public access to books, art, history, and culture could hang in the balance.
