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What’s at Stake if Federal Funding for Museums and Libraries Disappears

by Anne Romens

An enthusiastic woman with grey hair holds a painting depicting a wild west scene in front of a group of families.
Photo Credit: Max Hill
Participants at the Missoula Public Library learn about the history of Montana through art.

A new White House Executive Order calls for eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Here’s what that could mean for the nation—and the Midwest.

On March 14, President Trump signed an Executive Order proposing the elimination of key federal agencies that support arts and communities, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). 

Museums and libraries are essential hubs for learning, connection, and community support. Midwesterners rely on libraries for early literacy programs, workforce assistance, internet access, small business resources, and veteran services.

In 2024 alone, America’s 125,000 libraries saw over 1.2 billion visits, fueling literacy, innovation, and public well-being. Museums contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year, supporting 726,000 jobs and providing impactful public programming.

These institutions have bipartisan support—96% of Americans favor maintaining or increasing federal funding for museums.

“To dismiss [IMLS] is to dismiss the aspirations and everyday needs of millions of Americans. And those who will feel that loss most keenly live in rural communities.”

American Library Association
A woman wearing glasses instructs a young boy at an arts and crafts table.
Photo Credit: Nia Moten
Participants engage in an art making activity as part of the Museum of Children’s Arts NEA Big Read program.

IMLS: A Critical Engine for Midwest Communities

In 2024, IMLS awarded $272 million in grants to libraries nationwide, including $30.8 million to Midwestern states.

The agency’s largest program, Grants to State Library Administrative Agencies, provides over $160 million annually to support broad library access. These funds help libraries serve children, teens, seniors, job seekers, and businesses.

A statement from the American Library Association underscores the stakes:

“To dismiss [IMLS] is to dismiss the aspirations and everyday needs of millions of Americans. And those who will feel that loss most keenly live in rural communities.”

Museums also rely on IMLS grants. In 2024, IMLS awarded $55 million to museums nationwide, with $9.8 million supporting the Midwest.

Lisa Craig Brisson, Executive Director of the Michigan Museums Association, highlights the impact of this funding:

“I live in a small town in a very rural area of Michigan. We don’t have a hospital, but we have a library. We don’t have a university, but we have a museum. Cutting or defunding IMLS would strip critical resources away from the organizations that foster learning and creativity, especially in underserved communities. Public libraries provide free access to information, books, and digital resources. Museums preserve culture and inspire creativity. These are vital pillars of our society that, in many cases, fill gaps left by underfunded schools and communities.” 

Artist speaks in a gallery to a gathered audience
Photo Credit: AnnMarie McCallister
April Sunami shares a collage work with viewers at the Peggy R McConnell Worthington Center for the Arts.

IMLS Funding to Midwest Museums and Libraries, At a Glance 

In 2024, IMLS awarded 98 grants totaling $46 million to Midwest museums and libraries. Here’s the state-by-state breakdown:

StateTotal Grant Dollars Per Capita 
Illinois $11,347,695  $0.89  
Indiana $4,140,011  $0.60  
Iowa $2,481,368  $0.77  
Michigan $8,177,179  $0.81  
Minnesota $4,729,843  $0.82  
North Dakota $1,305,858  $1.64  
Ohio $7,639,678  $0.64  
South Dakota $1,356,956  $1.47  
Wisconsin $4,852,926  $0.81  

To see how this affects your congressional district, explore this interactive map.

Sources: