IMLS Funding Update
Hello again Wisconsin Library Friends!
I want to provide you with an update on the status of federal funding for Wisconsin library services through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. On April 23, IMLS awarded the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction partial LSTA 2025 Grants to States funding. The partial award is for $1.6 million, roughly half of what IMLS granted to the DPI in 2024.
In their message, IMLS indicated plans for increasing the amount to a full award “subject to the availability of funds, IMLS discretion, and other actions.” At this time, the DPI has not received a final allotment table indicating the amount of funding Wisconsin will receive.
This is not the typical fashion in which these funds are granted to states, but receiving a partial award provides some stability and relief in the short term. At this time, based on the uncertainty surrounding the amount and timing of future LSTA funds, Library Services is not planning to open grant subawards to library systems in Wisconsin in July as is typical. In order to continue to provide Wisconsin libraries state-wide service, the DPI will prioritize the Library Services salaries and the tools necessary to do their jobs with this partial allotment. The team will reassess the viability of providing subawards once more is known about the future of IMLS and LSTA funding.
As this situation continues to evolve, I will provide updates to the field when conditions change. Please reach out if you have specific questions or concerns, my virtual door is open to you all.
I want to personally thank the library community for sharing your stories, working with elected officials, and remaining steadfast in the incredible services you provide every day. You are the reason we do what we do. Keep being loud and proud about the meaningful work happening in your libraries and communities. Together we can do great things!
Ben Miller (he/him/his)
Director of Library Services
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Contact: benjamin.miller@dpi.wi.gov
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