Washington, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) – the largest library association in the world – and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – the nation’s largest union of cultural workers – have reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice that protects the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ensures the agency will continue carrying out its congressionally mandated work. IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries. Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP represent plaintiffs.
The agreement resolves litigation challenging the Trump-Vance administration’s attempt to dismantle IMLS through executive action. Under the settlement, the agency will continue awarding grants, conducting research, and operating programs that support libraries and museums across the country. The agreement also confirms that previously terminated grants have been reinstated, agency staff reductions have been reversed, and the administration will not take further steps to implement the executive order targeting IMLS.
IMLS provides essential coordination, research, and funding for the nation’s libraries, museums, public gardens, aquariums, zoos, and other cultural institutions. The agency plays a vital role in supporting early childhood education, workforce development, digital access, and public learning spaces in communities across the country. It is a non-partisan and independent agency dedicated to supporting and funding museums and libraries and the crucial community services they provide in every state across the country.
This lawsuit was filed during last year’s National Library Week amidst the administration’s attacks on IMLS, which included widespread Reductions in Force (RIF). As this year’s celebration approaches (April 19-25), the settlement announced today ensures that libraries and museums can continue serving millions of people without disruption. In addition to protecting IMLS funding in all 50 states, the settlement confirms that all RIF orders have been rescinded and that no further RIFs will be undertaken by the agency.
“When the administration began shuttering IMLS last year, it set off a chain reaction. Libraries across the country started cutting hours, staff, and services people rely on – after school programs, support for jobseekers, and connection for older adults,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “This settlement protects life-changing library services for communities across the country. ALA will continue to defend every American’s freedom to read and learn.”
“Today is a victory for every community that depends on libraries and museums as gateways to opportunity, learning and connection,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “As the nation’s largest union of cultural workers, AFSCME members fought tirelessly to protect this essential institution which supports the vital services we provide to communities across the country. Thanks to these efforts, this vital funding is protected in every state in the country, so our communities can continue to have access to these essential places of learning.”
“Once again, this is proof that litigation works. Libraries and museums are pillars of our democracy; they expand opportunities, safeguard access to information, and strengthen communities across our country,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “This settlement ensures that the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful attempt to dismantle a congressionally mandated agency will not prevail. Our clients took action to protect institutions that people rely on every day, and this agreement secures the continued operation of IMLS as the law requires. We are honored to protect the public infrastructure that keeps our communities informed, educated, and connected.”
“We couldn’t be more gratified that libraries will continue to receive the services for which Congress has provided. Every community will benefit from the efforts of this coalition,” said Chris Gair of Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP.
Also this month, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped its appeal of a permanent injunction won by a group of 21 state attorneys general to protect IMLS services in their states.
The case is American Library Association et al v. Sonderling et al., and the legal team at Democracy Forward in this case includes Pooja Boisture, Rachel Nguemaha, Orlando Economos, Kayla Kaufman, and Robin Thurston.
Read the settlement agreement here and more about this case here.
