Kiamesha Lake

To the editor:

On March 31, 2025, The Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS) was shut down. 

This has caused grants to shut down six months earlier than expected and budgeted. The result is chaos to these budgets in libraries and museums around the country.  This action is both mean-spirited and without vision and understanding of what services these organizations provide. 

Moreover, this is money already approved by Congress and not in the purview of the executive office to cancel.  The money has already been appropriated.  The only “efficiency” this action provides is more money available for tax cuts to the wealthy and fewer, much needed, services to the rest of us.  

During the Pandemic, when we all felt isolated and alone, it was these very museums, libraries, and other nonprofit arts organizations that kept us engaged and connected.  These organizations quickly pivoted and learned how to provide online programs and cultural events.  

Libraries started cleaning books between use and instituted curbside pick-up for patrons.  Cultural events and access to history, art, and so much more continued to be available to all of us. Not all of us golf—or want to deny that luxury to those who do.  These institutions have more visitors each year than golf courses.

As a former local library trustee, I know first-hand how much our libraries serve the public.  They provide equal access to all our citizens.  

Almost ten years ago when the new library opened in Monticello in November 2015, the attendance at local programing went from 1800 patrons (no community room) to 8700 patrons (community room with capacity of 75) in about two years.  Don’t allow this to be taken away.  Don’t deny our children access to summer reading programs.

Please reach out to our congressional representatives and urge them to stand up for what is right, for what is legal, and for what is decent.  

Your congressional representatives can be reached at:

U.S. Senator

Kirsten Gillibrand

Federal Office Bldg

11A Clinton Ave, Rm 821

Albany, NY 12207

Tel. (518) 431-0120

U.S. Senator

Charles ‘Chuck’ Schumer

Washington, D.C.

322 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: (202) 224-6542

Fax: (202) 228-3027

New York City

780 Third Avenue, 

Suite 2301

New York, NY 10017

Phone: (212) 486-4430

Fax: (202) 228-2838

TDD: (212) 486-7803

U.S. Congressman

Josh Riley

Phone: (202) 225-5441

128 Cannon House Office Building, 

Washington, DC 20002