Missouri Libraries Face Potential 98% Federal Funding Cut Under Trump Budget
Trump administration proposes cutting federal library funding by 98%, threatening Missouri’s $3 million in annual support for inter-library services and data tools.
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI — Public libraries across Missouri are preparing for potential budget cuts as the Trump administration proposes slashing federal library funding by 98% in its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal.
The budget would reduce funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services from $290 million to just $6 million, threatening programs that Missouri libraries depend on to serve their communities.
“This feels a little different this time, because I feel like in this world where we have so much chaos and conflict sort of going on, that this is when people need libraries the most,” said Robin Westphal, executive director of Daniel Boone Regional Library and president-elect of the Missouri Library Association.
Statewide Impact on Missouri Libraries
The Missouri State Library receives more than $3 million in federal funds annually, which is distributed to local libraries throughout the state through sub-grants. Westphal, who previously served as the state librarian responsible for administering these funds, said one of the biggest programs at risk is the statewide courier service that enables inter-library transfers.
“Without that courier service that is provided with these federal funds, many libraries, just because of their budget, would not have anything but maybe a few of the best sellers to be able to provide to their patrons,” Westphal explained. “They just don’t have the depth and the breadth of a collection that their community would want.”
The federal funding also supports data collection tools that allow libraries to compare expenditure metrics with similar institutions across the country. “They’ve been collecting this for a long time, so it can help you find peers and a side-by-side comparison and benchmarking,” said Jenny Bossaller, program coordinator for the University of Missouri’s Library and Information Science Program.
Previous Battles Over Library Funding
This marks the second time during Trump’s presidency that the Institute of Museum and Library Services has faced elimination. Last spring, the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit to block Trump’s executive order that would have eliminated the institute entirely.
The settlement successfully preserved the independent agency’s existence, but the current budget proposal represents a new approach to effectively defund library services nationwide.
Congressional Response Expected
Despite the administration’s proposal, Westphal remains cautiously optimistic about the outcome. Congress has previously rejected similar cuts to library funding during Trump’s first term. She expressed confidence that funding will be preserved during this year’s budget negotiations but voiced concern about the ongoing uncertainty.
The proposed cuts come at a time when Missouri libraries are already facing increased demand for services, including internet access, educational programs, and community meeting spaces. Library advocates argue that federal funding is essential for maintaining these services, particularly in rural communities with limited local resources.
The final budget will ultimately be decided by Congress, where library advocates are expected to mount a strong defense of the funding. The Institute of Museum and Library Services supports approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums nationwide.
