Daland Memorial Library

In an Executive Order signed last week on Friday, March 14th, 2025, President Donald Trump has called for the defunding of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS); the federal agency charged with distributing congressionally approved funds to state libraries and to library, museum and archives programs.

We want to let you know how this may impact our library patrons here in Mont Vernon, NH. The federal funds from this agency fund the New Hampshire Inter-Library Loan system, the van drivers, administrative staff, and computer software used to order items.

In 2024, our library borrowed 1,109 items and lent out 529 through Inter-Library Loan (ILL). 846 books were borrowed to support our 4 children’s book club, 4 adult book clubs. We rely on ILL for books for book groups. ILL is an important service, especially for small libraries that have small budgets. Losing this service will impact our community, patrons, and library.

Also funded with the IMLS funds is the platform for the Libby app used for e-books and audiobooks and Talking Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program staff. If these funds are cut, these services will go away.

In 2024 our library patrons checked out 2602 e-books, 1249 audio books, and periodicals via the Libby app.We want to continue to provide our patrons with the books and resources they ask for. Without these funds we will no longer be able to do so.

If you value the Inter-Library Library Loan system and/or the Libby Downloadable program, we encourage you to reach out to our elected officials and voice your concerns.

We will keep you updated as things progress.

Bonnie Angulas (Library Director) and the Board of Trustees