Secretary Fontes Condemns Action Dismantling IMLS

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Press Release

PHOENIX – Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes expressed deep concern and disappointment following the abrupt placement of staff on administrative leave at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), leaving federal grants to local libraries in jeopardy.

“Federal grants are basically tax dollars being put to work in a smart way to help the people who paid them in. The reckless layoff of IMLS staff is a devastating act of sabotage,” said Secretary Fontes. “This decision will ripple in ways that could deny access to learning, legal resources, broadband support, and historical preservation to millions of Arizonans, especially those in rural, tribal, and underserved communities. I’ve instructed my office to look at all available options to keep these programs running.”

In Arizona, IMLS funding is vital to statewide initiatives and direct support for local libraries. The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records (LAPR) is still assessing just how deep the impact of funding cuts will go, but the consequences are already clear: contracts have been terminated for LAPR staff who deliver Digital Navigator services, a support that many communities rely on.

IMLS funds cover some or all the salaries for key LAPR staff who run these programs and ensure they reach the people who need them. Since 2020, the Arizona State Library has stewarded over $18 million in IMLS funds to preserve our state’s history and expand access to essential services. These dollars do not pay for base library operations but sustain specific, high-impact programming.

In 2024 alone, the Library Development division managed over $3,800,000 in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) initiatives and projects through IMLS to support programs including:

  • Access to Electronic Resources: Collaborative digital collections, databases, and eZines across the 15 county library systems
  • Arizona Memory Project: Online access to historical records from Arizona’s archives, libraries, and museums
  • Arizona Reading Program: Literacy development programming for all ages
  • Connect Arizona: Free broadband and tech support through trained Digital Navigators
  • Youth Services: Informal learning and educational programming for school-aged children
  • Summer Library Institute: Professional development for staff from small and rural libraries
  • Legal Resources: Access to state legal and legislative history materials
  • E-rate Support: Assistance for libraries applying for discounted internet and telecommunications services

During FY2024, the State’s Library Development division facilitated over $800,000 in subgrants awarded to local libraries throughout the congressional districts, below. The State Library expects Arizona to experience similar immediate and irreparable harm even in a scenario where not all – but most – IMLS staff have been placed on leave.

Grants to local libraries appear to also be in jeopardy and include:

For additional details about LSTA, please visit the Arizona State Library’s Library Development website.

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Aaron Thacker
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