Libraries And Vital Resources Threatened

Andrew Carnegie built so many libraries because he strongly believed that public libraries were the best way to provide access to knowledge and self-improvement for people from all walks of life, particularly those like himself who came from humble beginnings and lacked formal education; he saw libraries as a crucial tool for upward mobility and considered them the “best possible gift” to a community, based on his own experience benefiting from a small private library as a young boy. 

There were only a few public libraries in the world when, in 1881, Carnegie began to promote his idea. He and the Carnegie Corporation subsequently spent over $56 million to build 2,509 libraries throughout the English-speaking world. Many still serve as civic centers, continuing in their original roles or fulfilling new ones as museums, offices, or restaurants.

Now libraries and museums are under attack. President Felonious Punk has named a new acting director for the Institute of Museum and Library Services, one of seven independent government agencies cited in a recent executive order calling for their dismantling “to the maximum extent of the law.” Punks said that the order “continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.”

If the use of the word ‘unnecessary’ makes your stomach turn, you’re not alone. Generations of Americans grew up using a public library as a vital resource. Libraries were especially critical in rural areas in days before online shopping made purchasing books more accessible. People of a certain age may remember looking up news articles on microfiche and browsing periodicals whose subscriptions they couldn’t personally afford. Millions of people across the entire spectrum of humanity have bettered themselves and the planet because of public libraries.

Now, that all is in danger. IMLS was founded in 1996, merging two previous agencies, for the purpose of “advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.” Its budget isn’t huge, around $200 million annually. With that small budget, though, they provide funding for several state library training programs, named after former first lady Barbara Bush, history museums, and local historical societies. They also help with operational expenses for hundreds of smaller, rural libraries that may not qualify for larger programs.

The new acting director, Keith Sonderling, said in a statement yesterday, “I am committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this Administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation. We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism, and cultivate love of country in future generations.”

Yeah, that would be bullshit speak for “We’re going to do exactly what the President tells us and nothing else.” Restore focus on patriotism? When does he think libraries lost that focus? They remain some of the strongest bastions of American history on the planet.

The American Library Association shot back with a statement that condemned “eliminating the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. … The [Punk] administration’s executive order is cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer.”

Make no mistake about it, this is another shot at reducing intelligence and keeping marginalized people from having access to information. The President is deeply frightened that an intelligent populace will figure out just how much of an idiot he is and overthrow him.

We need our libraries. All of them. Maybe more.