[kids-lib] State Library Update: Federal Funds Released

Fri Nov 14 12:09:02 PST 2025

Please pardon the cross-posting. Hi, folks. Below is an update from Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian. You might find it helpful to first read the email from OLA President, April Witteveen, which is below Wendy's email. Short story: Now that the current shutdown has ended, the State Library has access to our Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) federal grant funds again. - Best, 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 <ola at memberclicks-mail.net> On Behalf Of Wendy Cornelisen
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2025 11:47 AM
To: MAURER Jennifer * SLO <jennifer.maurer at slo.oregon.gov>
Subject: [oasl-all] Update: Federal Funds Released!

Hi all,

Thank you all so much for your support of the State Library. It's a testament to the impactful work of Library Support team across Oregon, and to great work that we've accomplished together over the years. From Libros for Oregon and the EDIA Toolkit to the Overdue podcast and our collaborative intellectual freedom work, the State Library and OLA have a strong working relationship.

Now that the federal government has reopened, our federal funder, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is processing the State Library's October payment request for our LSTA grant. I informed OLA leadership late yesterday that the State Library no longer needs this donation [see the email below from OLA President, April Witteveen]; December payroll is covered!

This whole process likely brings up many questions around the State Library's funding. This past summer I hosted two online town halls on State Library finances, one on LSTA<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ONlQTFLtC0> and one on state funding<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEIotfQ1zRg>. We follow a whole set of IMLS rules<https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/gtc-after-10012024.pdf> and the Oregon Accounting Manual<https://www.oregon.gov/das/Financial/Acctng/Pages/OAM.aspx>. Of note:

  *   The State Library can receive LSTA award payments from IMLS as advances or reimbursements; we mostly take advance payments.
  *   Advance payments must be limited to immediate cash needs. We are expected to fully disburse advanced Federal funds (e.g., checks written, signed, and issued to the payees) within 30 calendar days of the date we receive them from IMLS.

There are still many unknowns. IMLS funding for the current federal fiscal year is still under consideration, and the new federal Continuing Resolution only covers government spending thru January 30, 2026. There is a chance that there might be another government shutdown; there might be another way that the State Library loses access to this federal funding.

But we know how to work through this, and how to find solutions. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Please let me know if you have any questions.

Take care,
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]

From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov>> On Behalf Of Witteveen, April J via Libs-Or
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 10:28 AM
To: libs-or at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:libs-or at omls.oregon.gov>
Subject: [Libs-Or] OLA Board Moves to Support State Library

Dear OLA Community,
As we continue to monitor the unpredictable nature of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the OLA Executive Board met on Sunday evening, 11/9, to discuss how we can support endangered staff and programs at the State Library of Oregon.

If the government does not reopen by November 30, the LSTA funds that sustain the Library Services Division will be depleted. State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen informed OLA leaders that this would result in a shortfall of approximately $88,500 for December payroll, leading to layoff notices for ten staff members, effective November 30, 2025. These staff coordinate essential statewide programs and services such as Answerland, OSLIS, Library2Go, and consulting, training, and data services that Oregon libraries depend on every day.

A state budget officer noted that foundation grants or private donations could be accepted to fill this funding gap, ensuring uninterrupted services through the end of the calendar year. With a quorum present and a unanimous vote, the OLA Board authorized me, as Board President, to:

"Make a donation payment of up to $88,500 in express support of the salaries of ten Library Services Division staff who are facing layoff effective November 30, 2025. OLA will seek additional funding resources to match or share in the total amount, including potential reimbursement from IMLS when and if drawdown funds become available."

While OLA hopes to identify a funding partner, we are prepared to make the full one-time donation if necessary. This timely action reflects our commitment to providing a temporary bridge that prevents layoffs and keeps vital statewide programs operating while the State Library and federal agencies work to restore access to LSTA funds.

Looking ahead, OLA will continue collaborating with the State Library, the Governor's Office, and other stakeholders to develop long-term strategies that protect essential library services from future disruptions. This includes advocating for stronger contingency planning, state-level funding for critical positions and programs, and clearer communication protocols during periods of fiscal uncertainty.

Please feel free to reach out to me or Wendy if you have questions.
Thank you,
April

April Witteveen
Library Director
Oregon State University - Cascades Campus
Office: 541.706.2169
Cascades Library Main Line: 541.322.2079
Book a meeting with me!<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/59ddb7857eda44a583f83cb5988c1814@osucascades.edu?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=plink>
How do I pronounce my last name?<https://www.name-coach.com/april-witteveen>
________________________________
Oregon Library Association * PO Box 3067, La Grande, Oregon 97850, United States
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