Waynesboro City Council will present a proclamation Monday night to recognize National Library Week running April 6 to 12. The proclamation comes at the same time the federal government appears to be slashing funding for vital library services in the spirit of so-called “efficiency.”
The recognition from City Council aims to encourage all residents to use the library, but it comes at a time when the federal government is preparing to shutter an agency that serves as a backbone to many public libraries and museums. The potential impact could cause rural libraries to shut down completely, according to one industry expert.
Waynesboro Mayor Kenny Lee, in the proclamation posted on the city’s website, encourages “all residents to visit their library to explore the wealth of resources available.”
The Waynesboro Public Library announced March 20 that it will be closed Monday for staff training.
In 2024, the Waynesboro Public Library reported 16,000 users. Programs had nearly 9,000 attendees throughout the year. The annual report for the Waynesboro Public Library was shared in the posted City Council agenda packet.
Waynesboro Public Library annual impact
- Total circulation: 190,000
- Holds placed: 31,400
- Items added: 7,000
- E-resources: 26,500
- Total users: 16,000
- New users: 1,405
- Foot traffic: 85,400
- Wi-fi sessions: 62,383
- Computer sessions: 8,500
- Website visits: 37,816
- Total programs: 470
- Total program attendees: 8,920
- Outreach events: 120
- Outreach connections: 4,100
Libraries, museums under fire
Public libraries have been targeted recently by the Trump administration with speculation that most employees of the Institute of Museum and Library Services will soon be put on administration leave.
The independent federal agency distributes millions of dollars to state libraries, museums and archive programs. The department serves 35,000 museums and 123,000 libraries across the country. In 2024, it awarded $266 million in grants and research.
The new acting head of the federal agency, Keith E. Sonderling, was sworn in at the agency on March 20, and according to the AFGE Local 3403 union, he was accompanied by members of DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency. President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the elimination of IMLS as part of the so-called effort to reduce federal bureaucracy.
“I am committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation, said Sonderling, in a news release. “We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism, and cultivate love of country in future generations.”
Local libraries, like the Waynesboro Public Library, are primarily funded by city taxpayers. However, the “staff training” was announced on the same day Sonderling was sworn in.
Potential impact of shutting down IMLS
Some Virginia libraries and museums that could be impacted by the closure include the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, the Library of Virginia, the Taubman Museum of Art, the University of Virginia Library, Virginia Tech’s University Libraries, Northern Virginia Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, to name a few.
The funding may also impact additional literacy services and museum outreach programs, support for authors, poets and students and therapeutic art programs.
Federal funding also pays workforce training, pilot program initiatives and some basic library services including internet access in rural areas.
“Without necessary funding, it’s likely that many libraries may be forced to scale back digital services, or in some cases, eliminate access entirely,” said Jeff Jankowski, president of Hoopla Digital, in a statement to NPR. Hoopla Digital helps library users access eBooks, music, movies and audiobooks.
The American Library Association said “at this time, it is unclear how the executive order may impact current or future grant rounds.
“The intent to undercut and eliminate the Institute for Museum and Library Services is extremely shortsighted and perilous for the missions of Americans who rely on our public, school, academic and special libraries,” reads a website set up by ALA to address the potential closure of the agency.
Some of the programs that could be impacted, according to the ALA, include:
- Early literacy development and grade-level reading programs
- Summer reading programs for kids
- High-speed internet access
- Employment assistance for job seekers
- Braille and talking books for people with visual impairments
- Homework and research resources for students and faculty
- Veterans’ telehealth spaces equipped with technology and staff support
- STEM programs, simulation equipment and training for workforce development
- Small business support for budding entrepreneurs
“From technology classes for jobseekers to services for people with disabilities, from library delivery for older Americans to summer reading programs for families, IMLS funding makes a real, concrete difference in the lives of Americans every day. The president’s executive order puts all of those services at risk.
“As seedbeds of literacy and innovation, our nation’s 125,000 public, school, academic and special libraries deserve more, not less support.”
NOTE TO READERS: Augusta Free Press has reached out to Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County libraries and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library to find if and how much funding is provided to each by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and what the potential impact could be to services for residents.
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For more coverage, search “Institute of Museum and Library Services” on Augusta Free Press.
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Crystal Graham
