SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month to reduce the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides grant money to libraries and museums across the country.
The San Diego Public Library system has received hundreds of thousands of dollars, which has helped create and spur new programs. But now, those programs could be threatened.
“It’s not just the money, it’s the ability for librarians to get creative and to really listen to their community and create programs tailored for their community,” said Patrick Stewart, CEO of the Library Foundation SD. “Rural libraries in small communities across the country primarily use IMLS funding as a lifeline just to stay open.”
Some of the programs that could be impacted in San Diego are youth training and career development opportunities at the City Heights/Weingart Library, family outreach programs and entrepreneur workshops.
Stewart says IMLS offers about $200,000 million a year in grant money and it’s spread out throughout all 50 states. Most IMLS money goes towards libraries but a portion also supports museums, which are also experiencing impacts from cuts.
