An Open Letter from ACPL Executive Director Susan Baier
- amichael-keller
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Dear Allen County Public Library patrons,
Libraries across the country are observing National Library Week this week, April 6 through 12. It’s a week of honoring the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. While this is a week of celebration, it also comes with concern about recent events that could have a significant effect on the future of libraries in Indiana and across the country.
On Friday, March 14 the White House issued an Executive Order which called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency whose mission is to support America’s libraries and museums. In 2024, Indiana received $3,589,863.00 in grants provided by IMLS to fund essential statewide and local library materials and services.
On Monday, March 31, the entire IMLS staff (approximately 70 employees) was placed on administrative leave for up to 90 days after a meeting with the Department of Government Efficiency leaders.
These actions may have serious consequences for Indiana libraries, particularly at a time when funding for libraries and literacy programs is already facing cuts at the state level.
The bulk of ACPL’s funding comes from local property taxes. However, ACPL receives support from IMLS through services provided via the Indiana State Library (ISL.) These services and resources include the following:
INSPIRE - a statewide collection of databases providing access to invaluable research materials to students and the general public.
Info Express - a courier service that transports library materials around the state, allowing ACPL to expand our collection offerings.
Books and Materials for the Blind, Visually Impaired and People with Print Disabilities – ACPL patrons can access these resources directly from the ISL.
Indiana History Digitization – Online resources such as Indiana Memory and Hoosier Chronicles digitize historical newspapers, maps, photographs, and other media. These resources are regularly used by staff and patrons of ACPL’s Genealogy Center.
Hoosiers love their libraries. In 2024, Indiana public libraries received more than 21 million visits and checked out 54 million items. Our ACPL libraries had 1.7 million visits last year and issued library cards to more than 24,000 new patrons. The dollars spent on library services in Allen County and throughout Indiana have proved excellent investments in education, literacy, workforce development, and quality of life.
Libraries have a magical element to them. But the reality is that libraries aren’t built on magic. They are built and sustained by communities that care. This National Library Week is the perfect time to tell your friends, neighbors, and elected officials how much you value your local library. You can find more information on the proposed cuts to IMLS and how to contact your legislators from the Indiana Library Federation’s advocacy page.
With gratitude,
Susan P. Baier, Executive Director
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National Library Week highlights libraries' vital role, threatened by potential IMLS elimination. Indiana received $3.5M in IMLS grants in 2024. The staff is on leave, and funding for libraries and literacy programs is cut at the state level. Protect libraries! If you need to have some fun, try Wordle Unlimited.