ARSL Celebrates Bipartisan Support for IMLS and Shared Advocacy Efforts

Seattle, WA – The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) celebrates the signing of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Bill, which preserves funding for libraries through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), despite an initial request to zero out the institute’s budget.

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) released the following statement from Executive Director Kate Laughlin:

“ARSL applauds Congress for sending a clear bipartisan message: libraries belong to all Americans. Preserving IMLS funding ensures that rural and small libraries can continue serving their communities every day.

Partnering with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) on this almost year-long advocacy effort, ARSL and ULC invited library leaders from across the country to meet with members of Congress representing their districts and shared their stories about the essential role IMLS plays. From supporting programs for veterans and small businesses to serving homeschooling families and children with special needs, the stories these libraries shared demonstrated to their representatives that libraries matter to their constituents. This coordinated effort helped contribute to the successful outcome for FY26 library funding.

Libraries, whether large or small, urban or rural, spoke with one voice. Libraries are a lifeline for communities nationwide, and today’s decision highlights the strength of collective action. ARSL remains dedicated to defending federal funding and ensuring IMLS can fulfill its mission for years to come.”

ARSL thanks ULC for leading this collaboration and all library advocates for their engagement and continued participation in any efforts to strengthen libraries across the country.

Media Contact: Ainsley Nobara | [email protected] 

Issued February 2026 by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)