[kids-lib] August Update: Senate Votes for IMLS Money

[MAURER Jennifer * SLO]

Please pardon the cross-posting. Hi, folks. I'm sharing the latest update related to the situation with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). See the email below from Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian. Soon the IMLS and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding information should be reflected on the State Library's webpage dedicated to updates<https://www.oregon.gov/library/Pages/Updates.aspx>. - Thanks, Jen (Jen Maurer, School Library Consultant, State Library of Oregon, jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov>)

From: ola at memberclicks-mail.net On Behalf of Wendy Cornelisen
Sent: Friday, August 1, 2025 5:34 PM
To: MAURER Jennifer
Subject: [oasl-all] August update: Senate votes for IMLS money

Hi all,

Last week I had the opportunity to visit several Eastern Oregon public libraries, including Vale, Ontario, Baker City, LaGrande, Enterprise, Wallowa and Pendleton (where I got to trade State Library swag for a paper pizza). It was wonderful to see the incredible work happening on the front lines-with summer reading and prize pick-up in full swing! Thanks to everyone who graciously took time to show me around and answer all the questions.

The State Library Board meeting was last Friday and included much praise for State Library staff members and their uniformly excellent service to Oregonians. The entire board and audience were duly impressed with the Customer Service Survey results, which start on page 49<https://www.oregon.gov/library/operations/Documents/Board/20250725BoardPacket.pdf>. Additional actions taken by the State Library Board include:

  *   Approving the LSTA 2025 Budget plan (see page 36).
  *   Withdrawing official recognition from the Spray Library in Wheeler County, which has not met minimum conditions for three years as they are no longer operating a public library (see page 44).

The next State Library Board meeting is Friday, October 24 in Astoria.

LSTA Updates
Senate Appropriations work began this week, with the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and related agencies meeting yesterday to work on the Federal Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

  *   In a bipartisan vote, the Committee voted<https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/senators-including-republicans-reject-all-of-trumps-proposed-education-cuts/2025/07> <https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/senators-including-republicans-reject-all-of-trumps-proposed-education-cuts/2025/07> to include IMLS funding at $291M, with both LSTA and Tribal library funding at similar rates to 2025. (IMLS info starts on page 329<https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy26_lhhs_senate_report.pdf>) [Recall that the President's proposed budget only includes enough IMLS funding to sunset the agency. Also, note that this stage of the Senate's proposed budget reinstates not just the IMLS/LSTA funding but much education funding as well. - Jen]
  *   The full Senate must still approve.
  *   House Appropriations work will start in September.
  *   While it's not a done deal, it is good news for a Friday!
I'll be sending a thank you note to Senator Merkley, who serves on this Appropriations subcommittee.

And a big thank-you to State Library staff who collectively have 478 years of state service! It is a true honor and privilege to have such dedicated, hard-working folks at the State Library.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Thanks,
Wendy

Wendy Cornelisen (she, her, hers)
State Librarian
State Library of Oregon
wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:wendy.cornelisen at slo.oregon.gov>
Office: 503-378-4367| Mobile 971-375-3992
www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>
[Title: State Library of Oregon]
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