Right to Read ND strongly condemns the recent executive order issued by the Trump administration, which directs eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

IMLS is the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries. It administers federal grants to states and funds individual libraries. Losing their support will endanger the ability of North Dakota libraries and museums to provide services to our residents.

North Dakotans rely on public, school, and academic libraries. By eliminating IMLS, this administration is abandoning bedrock American institutions, as well as the staff and services they offer.  Services such as: 

• Internet and computer access 
• Braille and talking books for people with blindness, low vision, physical and reading disabilities
• Reading programs for children and adults, as well as research resources for students
• STEM programs, early literacy development, and training for workforce development
• Resources for job seekers, as well as facilitating help for filing taxes and other government forms 

North Dakota will likely experience direct cuts to its services as a result of this executive order, as many rural populations rely on federal funds. Right to Read ND asks Senator Cramer, Senator Hoeven, and Representative Fedorchak to urge the White House to restore federal funding for America’s libraries and museums. Contact information for each legislator's aide in the Washington office is included below.

Senator Cramer: Gina Seifert, Legislative Correspondent | [email protected] | 202-224-2043

Senator Hoeven: Tyler Hardy, Deputy Chief of Staff/Senior Advisor | [email protected] | 202-224-2551

Representative Fedorchak: Matthew Lee, Military Legislative Assistant | [email protected] | 202-225-2611