Op-Ed: Rural Libraries At Risk As Federal Funding Freezes

Federal grants often serve as the backbone of rural library services. Without their local library, many communities would lose access to basic resources. However, recent federal actions have placed critical funding for public libraries and museums in jeopardy.

Following an executive order from President Trump, the future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has been uncertain. Staff were placed on administrative leave, and grant processing came to a halt.

The consequences are especially severe in rural areas. In Nebraska, where library funding varies by locality, federal supp...