Learn how the recent executive order may affect Johnson County Library.
On March 14, an executive order was issued calling for reduction in function and personnel of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency for America’s libraries, to the fullest extent allowable by law. While other recent executive orders may have had ripples in our community, this is the first that broadly touches many library users and has an impact on Johnson County Library's budget.
IMLS is responsible for distributing federal money to state libraries and administering grant funding. It designates funding to Kansas public libraries via the State Library of Kansas for a range of library services across the state. The State Library has already distributed 2025 funding, so the executive order may not impact libraries until 2026. Johnson County Library received about $165,000 in funding this year, which goes directly toward purchasing physical books. As an organization, we receive no other federal grant money.
The current Kansas State Aid funding is based on the IMLS funding level authorized in 2018 with bipartisan congressional support. This was an extension of the Library Services and Technology Act, first enacted in 1996.
IMLS funds account for 30 percent of the State Library’s budget; the remainder of the budget for the State Library of Kansas is determined annually by the Kansas legislature. In addition to providing funds for purchasing materials, the State Library of Kansas also provides a range of library resources to Kansans. The below services may be impacted beginning in 2026:
- Kansas Library eCard: Many Johnson County residents use this card to access eLearning resources, databases and digital materials (including eBooks and eAudiobooks) provided by the State Library of Kansas.
- Online information databases: Many of our research resources are provided by or funded through the State Library of Kansas, including:
- Mango Languages: Language learning with practical situations and conversations.
- Universal Class: Over 500 convenient online classes covering a wide range of topics.
- Britannica: Encyclopedic resource for students, Spanish speakers and general audiences.
- LearningExpress Library: Practice tests and tutorials for students of all ages.
- NoveList: Reading recommendations and book lists for all readers.
- BookFlix: Read-along books for grades Pre-K to 3.
- Auto Repair Source: DIY auto repair guides for thousands of vehicles.
- HeritageQuest Online: Census records and other genealogy research tools.
- Job & Career Accelerator: Resume and cover letter builders and career guidance.
- World Almanac for Kids: One stop reference resource for student reports and research.
- U.S. Newsstream: Full-text articles from Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.
- Summer reading: The State Library of Kansas helps coordinate the national summer reading program in Kansas libraries.
- Interlibrary Loan is another popular Library service that may see changes in 2026. Federal funding supports state courier services that move materials throughout the region. Should those services lose funding, interlibrary loan would need to rely more heavily on the U.S. Postal Service, potentially leading to increased expense and longer wait times for materials.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, here are some resources:
- Read the full text of the executive order;
- Read the full text of the Library Services and Technology Act;
- Read more about how this order would affect libraries more broadly in a statement released by EveryLibrary, a nonpartisan national organization dedicated to building voter support for libraries;
- Contact the Friends of Johnson County Library, who provides advocacy support for Johnson County Library, or the Johnson County Library Foundation.
- Reach out to your elected officials at the local, state, and national levels for more information. You can find contact information for your elected officials by entering your address into lookup forms through Usa.gov and the League of Women Voters.
We will continue to share updates as we learn additional details about the effect on our budget and ripples to our services. Johnson County Library’s mission is to provide access to ideas, information, experiences and materials that support and enrich people's lives. We are so grateful for the continued support of our community, and would love to see you again soon at your local branch.