Many have been asking how the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) is fairing following recent state and federal budget challenges, and I wanted to provide a brief update.

Since 1965, all states have received continuously appropriated federal funds to support library development. These funds currently account for 28% of the ICfL’s ongoing budget. (Here is a fact sheet for ICfL’s current federal funding.) Following a recent presidential executive order, three states were notified last week that their agreements with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) have been terminated.

Accessing federal funds has become increasingly delayed for Idaho and other states as most IMLS staff were laid off and disbursements can only be requested in 30-day increments. Given the growing uncertainty surrounding this vital funding source, ICfL has implemented the following changes:

  • Suspended Continuing Education grants.
  • Ended a program supplementing e-book platform costs for libraries serving populations under 2,000.
  • Cancelled the 2025 Summer Summit, an annual professional development event for Idaho school library staff.
  • Pausing all other expenditures until more information is forthcoming.

In addition, the ICfL did not receive full spending authority from the Idaho Legislature for the federally funded Digital Access for All Idahoans Plan in the upcoming fiscal year. As a result, the agency must eliminate a position that supported digital navigator projects in June. ICfL will also not be allowed to open another round of monetary subgrants as initially planned for fiscal year 2026.

Separately, due to the Idaho Humanities Council’s loss of federal funding, the Let’s Talk About It program will be paused indefinitely. Development of a new America250 theme that would have rolled out soon will be halted.

The ICfL did hear late this afternoon that a federal draw that was requested came through. The ICfL Board also granted authority to utilize Library Services Improvement Funds to help cover personnel expenses should they be delayed.

A lawsuit filed by 20 state attorney generals to stop the executive order is scheduled to be heard in court on Friday, April 18, 2025.

A second lawsuit has been filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the American Library Association.

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate these challenging times and process changing news on a daily basis. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.