Apr 07, 2025 A Letter to Patrons about Library Funding
April 7, 2025
Dear Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library Patrons,
On behalf of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library (HMMPL) and its Board of Trustees, and in response to numerous inquiries from our patrons regarding library funding, I would like to share information about the proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a decision that threatens the heart of libraries across the nation, including our own. The IMLS is a crucial source of federal funding that supports literacy programs, technology access, and countless other essential services that make libraries a cornerstone of our society.
On Friday, March 14, the White House issued Executive Order #14238, calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, our nation’s only federal agency whose mission is to support libraries and museums.
On Monday, March 31, the entire IMLS staff (approximately 70 employees) was placed on administrative leave and all funding was frozen after a meeting with IMLS and the Department of Government Efficiency leaders.
These actions will have profound consequences for Indiana libraries, including HMMPL. HMMPL receives support from IMLS through services provided by the Indiana State Library (ISL). Below are the current resources HMMPL patrons benefit from because of IMLS’s support:
- Indiana Digital Library Consortium— through the Libby app, HMMPL provides access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. In 2024, 208,637 items were downloaded by HMMPL cardholders, which was the sixth highest circulation in the Indiana Digital Library Consortium in 2024.
- Evergreen ILS/Catalog– a collaboration of 130 Indiana libraries that share materials across the state and provides technology services including a shared catalog system, and access to collections that facilitate interlibrary loans. This initiative provides cost savings for the library and access to almost eight million items for over 1.5 million Indiana residents.
- INSPIRE– a digital collection of databases supporting nearly all academic study areas. In 2024, 34,921 items were accessed by HMMPL cardholders.
- Info Express– a courier service that transports library materials around the state, allowing HMMPL to expand our resource offerings. In 2024, 49,158 items were sent and received for HMMPL cardholders.
- IMLS/LSTA grants— in the past, LSTA grants funded the start-up of HMMPL’s first MakerStudio.
- Books and Materials for the Blind, Visually Impaired and People with Print Disabilities – HMMPL patrons can access these resources directly from the Indiana State Library.
- Indiana History Digitization – HMMPL patrons access Indiana Memory and Hoosier State Chronicles through the ISL website.
- Staff training– provided through ISL’s Office of Professional Development.
Libraries are more than just buildings with books–we are community hubs, educational lifelines, and places of discovery for all ages. The proposed cuts jeopardize not only our ability to innovate and expand but also our ability to meet the fundamental needs of the people we serve.
Many community members have asked what they can do or how they can learn more about these actions. Please check out the information at the Indiana Library Federation website at: https://www.ilfonline.org/advocacy.
Thank you for being a valued part of our library family. Your support makes all the difference.
Sincerely,
Kristin Shelley, Executive Director
Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library
250 N. Fifth Street, Zionsville, IN 46077