Trump wants to cut funding for libraries. What it could mean for NC
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- Trump’s executive order targets the IMLS, prompting lawsuits.
- North Carolina libraries received millions in IMLS grants for programs and projects.
- IMLS grants have been used to educate the public and promote research.
The Trump administration is working to dismantle a federal agency that provides funding to libraries and museums, including some in North Carolina.
President Donald Trump issued a March 14 executive order mandating that seven agencies including the Institute of Museum and Library Services should “reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.”
Two lawsuits — one co-filed by the American Library Association and one filed by the attorneys general of 21 states — have been brought to challenge the executive order. In May, federal judges issued a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to block the dismantling of the IMLS, not place additional IMLS staff on leave or terminate any IMLS staff, resume processing of payments to grantees and not cancel grants.
“The intent to undercut and eliminate the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is extremely shortsighted and perilous for the millions of Americans who rely on our public, school, academic, and special libraries,” the American Library Association wrote on its website.
Whether and when the executive order will be implemented are yet to be determined. However, if the IMLS is dismantled, North Carolina institutions may be affected. Here’s what we know.
NC libraries receive millions in federal funding
Libraries in North Carolina have received millions in funding from the Office of Library Services and Grants to State Libraries, which are provided by the IMLS.
For example, in fiscal year 2024, the Office of Library Services provided:
- More than $760,000 to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science to support research projects
- $142,782 to the University of North Carolina General Administration to support the National Forum on Sustainable Models for Open and Equitable Systems of Education
More than $5 million was provided to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, with funding going to the State Library of North Carolina.
Grants fund programs, services at Triangle libraries
Many of North Carolina’s public libraries are funded through property taxes, voter-approved bonds, private donors and the General Assembly.
Wake County Public Libraries does not receive financial support from the IMLS, Alice Avery, the external communications manager for Wake County Government, told The News & Observer in an email. Instead, the majority of its operational funding comes from the county’s general fund, largely supported by property taxes. Voters also approved in 2024 a $142 million bond referendum to enhance the library system.
Which libraries get federal funding?
However, local libraries, including some in the Triangle, have received federal funding for specific programs, services and projects, often distributed by the state library.
- In 2022, the Durham County Library and Digital Durham were awarded more than $20,000 in a federal grant distributed by the State Library of North Carolina for a “Digital Navigator” pilot program to help people find affordable devices, access low-cost internet resources and learn digital literacy skills.
- In 2024, 41 libraries across North Carolina — including the Chapel Hill Public Library, Chatham County Public Library, Durham County Library, North Carolina State University, Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — received a total of more than $2.5 million in grant funds from the State Library of North Carolina, with funds from the IMLS through the Library Services and Technology Act. Funds supported projects intended to develop adult literacy programs, provide learning opportunities for health and wellness, create welcoming spaces for neurodiverse people and expand access to materials through digitization and preservation, for example.
This story was originally published June 2, 2025 at 3:32 PM.
