Jul 23, 2025 A Library Funding Update
From HMMPL Executive Director, Kristin Shelley
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. As the Executive Director of the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library (HMMPL), I am reaching out to address some critical changes to library funding that could significantly impact our beloved library and the community we proudly serve.
We are currently facing three major changes that threaten our library’s future. First, the proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) jeopardizes essential funding that supports literacy programs, technology access, and various services crucial to our community. Second, changes to Indiana’s property tax law could lead to a significant reduction in our budget. Lastly, alterations to local income tax (LIT) policies could further strain our resources. Together, these changes could potentially reduce our library’s budget by up to 50% by 2028.
How IMLS Funded Library Services
The proposed elimination of the IMLS poses a considerable threat to libraries nationwide, including ours. The IMLS provides essential funding that supports literacy programs, technology access, and a myriad services that make libraries vital to our communities. The potential cuts could profoundly affect programs like the Indiana Digital Library Consortium (Libby), Evergreen ILS/Catalog, and INSPIRE databases, which all our patrons benefit from.
State Tax Changes
Moreover, recent changes to property tax and local income tax policies implemented by the Indiana legislature have already reduced the Indiana State Library’s funding by 30%, which forced the layoff of 16 state library employees. If all pending tax changes are fully enacted, our library’s budget could be reduced by up to 50% by 2028. This substantial reduction poses a serious threat to our ability to maintain the services and resources our patrons rely on. Such cuts could force us to reconsider our operational capacities, including program offerings, open hours, staffing, and the number and type of digital services we offer. The impact on our patrons and the wider community could be profound, affecting access to the educational and cultural resources that are the cornerstone of our library.
How You Can Help
In light of these developments, I urge you to express to local officials how vital our library is to you and our community. Your voice is valued, and we hope you will share how you use and enjoy our library. Additionally, I invite you to stay informed about these changes by attending a series of fireside chats I will be hosting at our branches. These sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss the library’s budget and answer any questions you might have. I also recommend following updates from the Indiana Library Federation.
Furthermore, your support is crucial. Please consider donating to the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library or sponsoring a program or service. Your contributions help us continue to offer free and accessible resources to all. We are already implementing cost-saving measures, including a hiring freeze, to manage these challenges. However, community support remains vital. You can always find current information about our budget challenges and donation opportunities at HMMPL.org.
You Have Our Gratitude
Thank you for your continued dedication and for being an integral part of our library community. Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure that our library remains a cornerstone of learning and discovery. Please reach out to your elected representatives and let them know why you love and need our library. Every day is a good day to remind them of the library’s importance to our community.
Warm regards,
Kristin Shelley
Executive Director
Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library