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Trump is attacking libraries and museums in every state. Here are 3 things you can do to help communities fight back
On Friday, President Donald Trump issued yet another executive order aimed at gutting our federal agencies in the name of fiscal efficiency, this time slashing much-needed funding for libraries and museums nationwide. His target is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency charged with distributing funds approved by Congress to support libraries, museums, and archives program-grant recipients in all 50 U.S. states and territories. The move has sparked outrage and concern from a number of groups, including the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), which has opposed the IMLS cuts. The AAM argues that the agency is already operating at a minimum level, making up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget, to support a sector that generates more than $50 billion in economic impact. The funding cuts would effectively dismantle and eliminate the only federal agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums, which goes against public opinion: 96% of Americans support maintaining or increasing federal funding for museums, which are vital anchors of local communities, according to the AAM. If you’re one of the 96%, here are some ways you can help fight back against the funding cuts to museums and libraries. 1) Sign a petition EveryLibrary, a nonprofit group that advocates for public library funding and has fought against book bans, has also come out against the cuts, arguing that the IMLS is required by Congress’s 2018 Museum and Library Services Act to send federal funds to state libraries. (As Fast Company articles have previously noted, only Congress can abolish federal agencies, not the president.) EveryLibrary is calling on all Americans “to join us in telling Congress to hold the line with the Administration and DOGE and keep these core programs, especially the Grants to States funding, intact.” You can sign the group’s petition to stop Trump’s executive order, which at press time already has 25,580 of the 40,000 signatures it needs. 2) Visit your local library Some other ways to support your local library: Check out a book, ebook, magazine, or audiobook. Every time you use your local library, it helps demonstrate demand, and therefore makes the case for funding. Follow your local library on social media, and engage with your librarians in person. Say hello at the front desk, and ask what you can do to help. You can also attend a local town hall meeting or email your local representative to ask about how to help. 3) Join a protest Want to do more? Consider joining one of the ongoing protests taking place almost monthly across the country organized by the 50501 Movement—50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement—”fighting to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach” and protest “the antidemocratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.” The movement, which started on Reddit r/50501, has spread rapidly across social media since Trump took office. Information about where and when the nationwide protests and street marches are planned near your hometown can be found here upon entering your city or state. The next protest is scheduled for April 5.
On Friday, President Donald Trump issued yet another executive order aimed at gutting our federal agencies in the name of fiscal efficiency, this time slashing much-needed funding for libraries and museums nationwide.
His target is the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency charged with distributing funds approved by Congress to support libraries, museums, and archives program-grant recipients in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
The move has sparked outrage and concern from a number of groups, including the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), which has opposed the IMLS cuts. The AAM argues that the agency is already operating at a minimum level, making up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget, to support a sector that generates more than $50 billion in economic impact.
The funding cuts would effectively dismantle and eliminate the only federal agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums, which goes against public opinion: 96% of Americans support maintaining or increasing federal funding for museums, which are vital anchors of local communities, according to the AAM.
If you’re one of the 96%, here are some ways you can help fight back against the funding cuts to museums and libraries.
1) Sign a petition
EveryLibrary, a nonprofit group that advocates for public library funding and has fought against book bans, has also come out against the cuts, arguing that the IMLS is required by Congress’s 2018 Museum and Library Services Act to send federal funds to state libraries. (As Fast Company articles have previously noted, only Congress can abolish federal agencies, not the president.)
EveryLibrary is calling on all Americans “to join us in telling Congress to hold the line with the Administration and DOGE and keep these core programs, especially the Grants to States funding, intact.” You can sign the group’s petition to stop Trump’s executive order, which at press time already has 25,580 of the 40,000 signatures it needs.
2) Visit your local library
Some other ways to support your local library: Check out a book, ebook, magazine, or audiobook. Every time you use your local library, it helps demonstrate demand, and therefore makes the case for funding. Follow your local library on social media, and engage with your librarians in person. Say hello at the front desk, and ask what you can do to help. You can also attend a local town hall meeting or email your local representative to ask about how to help.
3) Join a protest
Want to do more? Consider joining one of the ongoing protests taking place almost monthly across the country organized by the 50501 Movement—50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement—”fighting to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach” and protest “the antidemocratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.”
The movement, which started on Reddit r/50501, has spread rapidly across social media since Trump took office. Information about where and when the nationwide protests and street marches are planned near your hometown can be found here upon entering your city or state. The next protest is scheduled for April 5.
