[Libs-Or] August update: Senate votes for IMLS money

[CORNELISEN Wendy * SLO]

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>)
  *   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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