Public libraries bolster our Indiana communities by providing access to books, technology and research material.
Libraries are where children fall in love with reading. They host events centered around education and expanding our minds. They offer computers for Hoosiers to fill out a resume or access the internet. Libraries are centers of history and a gateway to the future.
But these important institutions are under attack at the federal and state level. A potential double blow of an executive order by President Donald Trump and property tax cuts being mulled over in Indianapolis could have dire consequences for Indiana libraries.
ON MARCH 14, Trump signed an executive order seeking to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS. Federal funding through IMLS is dispersed to states and allotted to local libraries. They use the funds for programs such as the Indiana Digital Library.
Then there’s Indiana Senate Bill 1. The measure is changing by the day, but the Legislative Services Agency has estimated the bill could cost public libraries more than $40 million next year, and as much as $60 million by 2028. In order to appease those who want property tax relief, our state legislators appear to be ready to throw our libraries into a financial disaster.
All this comes as libraries have been senselessly attacked over so-called controversial books and historical information. Some seem so frightened by differing viewpoints, or even factual accounts of history, that they want libraries closed and books banned. What a harmful stance in opposition to those of us who want to live in a free and informed society.
IF THESE funding cuts come to fruition, most libraries will have little choice but to reduce services, layoff employees and even close their doors. And while libraries are sources of information for all Hoosiers, they are irreplaceable resources for the impoverished.
Many of us take internet access for granted. We can buy a book, or an ebook, and we can jump on our cellphone if we want to do research. But some Hoosiers cannot afford a tablet, or money for a book. But they have an option — their public library.
Libraries shouldn’t be sacrificed over political posturing. They are too important to our communities, and Hoosiers of all ages will suffer if libraries are diminished.