An executive order issued Friday, March 14th, 2025 calls for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law." The IMLS is an independent federal agency responsible for administering federal funding for state libraries. 

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The New Hampshire State Library currently has $1.5 million of IMLS funding which it uses to fund InterLibrary loan (ILL), Talking Books for the Blind and Physically Disabled, and Libby, the NH downloadable books platform. The Sutton Free Library's use of these services is substantial, as is the case for many small, rural public libraries. In the Town of Sutton during 2024, library patrons checked out 3,914 items on Libby and 1,232 items from other NH libraries via InterLibrary Loan. 

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The staff and Board of Trustees of the Sutton Free Library are monitoring the implications of this executive order and will keep patrons informed and up to date about any impact on services. If you have feedback or concerns about the executive order, please reach out to your elected officials.

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Interested in supporting the Sutton Free Library? Visit here to learn about the Friends of the Sutton Free Library.