Libraries are crucial for education, digital resources, job support, and community connection. They’re a gathering place, a learning hub, and a safe space for all. From storytime for kids to job resources, free wi-fi, and a cozy spot to connect, libraries bring people together in ways that matter. Support your local library—it supports you!
E.D. Locke Public Library serves the community in a variety of ways:
- Welcoming over 250,000 visitors in 2024.
- Hosting over 560 free programs serving nearly 19,000 attendees of all ages.
- Lending books, movies, music, magazines, board games, STEAM kits, ukuleles, birding backpacks, blood pressure monitors, and more.
- Offering free wi-fi and public computers, resulting in nearly 188,000 wi-fi sessions and 4000 computer sessions in 2024.
- Helping patrons answer over 3700 reference questions.
- Providing free access to over a dozen digital resources including: The New York Times and NYT Games, Washington Post, Libby, Kanopy, Consumer Reports, Creativebug, Ancestry Plus, Transparent Languages, Morningstar.
- Partnering with other village departments and organizations for community efforts including the McFarland Caring Quilts program, annual McFarland Community Festival.
- Providing essential services including tech support for seniors, assistance for new immigrants, printing/copying/faxing capabilities, notary services, test proctoring, small and large group meeting spaces, and more.
- Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Funding
On March 14, President Trump signed an executive order that led to the shutdown of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This small federal agency, with around 70 employees, provides funding to museums and libraries nationwide. In 2024, Wisconsin was allocated $3.2 million in IMLS grants.
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Impact of Losing Funding
Libraries are vital community resources, offering services to everyone. Cuts to IMLS funds disproportionately hurt people in small rural areas, those on fixed incomes, and families. In Wisconsin, IMLS funding supports:- Interlibrary Loans: Wisconsin ranked #1 in the nation for interlibrary loans per resident in 2022.
- BadgerLink Access: Without this funding, schools and the public would lose access to critical online resources for research, literacy, and lifelong learning.
- Workforce Development Programs: These programs support small businesses and job seekers.
- Technology Upgrades: IMLS grants help libraries provide computer equipment, Wi-Fi, hotspots, and IT support, crucial for keeping services modern and efficient.
- Without IMLS funding, many libraries will struggle to maintain essential services.
Key Benefits of IMLS Funding in Wisconsin
- Expanding Access to Information & Digital Equity: Supports BadgerLink, WISCAT (interlibrary loan), and broadband access, helping libraries serve communities without reliable internet.
- Empowering Library Staff: Provides professional development and training opportunities for librarians.
- Strengthening Community Engagement: Funds programs for workforce development, small businesses, and job seekers.
- Modernizing Library Services: Helps libraries adapt with new technologies and services.
- How You Can Help
- Advocate for Federal Support: Contact your representatives to urge support for IMLS funding: ala.org/showup
- Engage with Your Library: Visit your local library and take advantage of the resources available.
- Make a video: The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is asking library patrons to make a 30-60 second video talking about why their library is important to them. Upload your video here: tinyurl.com/wi-library-stories
- Vote: Stay informed on issues that impact libraries and vote accordingly.
- Become a Friend: Join our Friends of McFarland Library to volunteer and support our library.
- Learn more: visit mywisconsinlibrary.org to get more information and follow links to take action.
- Additional Resources
More Info on the Executive Order and IMLS
- Full text of President Trump's Executive Order
- Statement from the American Library Association
- Roundup of Statements from Organizations and Libraries
- FAQ on the Executive Order from the American Library Association
- Interactive map of IMLS grants
Impacts in Wisconsin
- Interactive map of federal funding for Wisconsin Library Systems from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Where the Money Goes - Library Services & Technology Act Infographic [PDF] from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- Wisconsin Libraries by the Numbers [PDF]
Library Advocacy Resources