An Open Letter to the Community from Library Director Kim Blaha

To our patrons, neighbors, and friends throughout Turkey Creek Township,

On behalf of the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library, its staff, and Board of Trustees, I want to share a significant development affecting both your hometown library and libraries nationwide.
 
On Friday, March 14, the White House issued Executive Order #14238, calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries. This executive order defunds an independent federal agency charged with providing financial support for books, databases, digitization programs, resource sharing, and training for library workers everywhere. IMLS funding is not merely a line item in a budget; it is a lifeline that supports critical library infrastructure and programs that benefit every resident.

Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library receives support from IMLS through the Indiana State Library. The services directly impacted by the elimination of IMLS include:

• INSPIRE: A statewide collection of databases providing access to invaluable research materials. These databases are essential for Indiana schools and workforce development.
  
• Evergreen Indiana: A collaboration of Indiana libraries that empowers materials sharing especially in rural areas and provides efficient technology services including a shared catalog system and access to collections that facilitate interlibrary loan.
• Info Express: A vital courier service that facilitates the rapid and cost-effective transportation of Evergreen Indiana and interlibrary loan materials across the state.
• WorldCat: A global cataloging database that enables libraries to share resources, improving efficiency and access to information.
• Indiana Digital Library (Libby): A statewide digital library providing eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines.
• Books and Materials for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Ensures individuals with visual impairments and print disabilities can obtain accessible reading materials and resources.
• Indiana History Digitization: Preserves Hoosier history through databases including Indiana Memory and Hoosier Chronicles.
• LSTA Grants: The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) was signed into law September 30, 1996 as part of the Museum and Library Services Act. IMLS distributes federal funds to individual states for the purposes of increasing the use of technology in libraries, fostering better resource sharing among libraries, and targeting library services to special populations.
• Office of Professional Development: Provides training for library directors, staff and library board members throughout the state.

Libraries are places where anyone can access the information and resources they need to thrive. The executive order calling for the elimination of IMLS funding would decimate essential services, limiting access to information, educational resources, and community support that public libraries provide. This impacts everyone.

Community members have asked what they can do or to learn more about these actions. Current information can be obtained at the Indiana Library Federation website: https://www.ilfonline.org/advocacy.

As a rule, the Library does not involve itself in politics. A staunch commitment to neutrality informs our mission to strengthen our community and enrich lives by providing equitable and impartial access to information and opportunities to learn, explore, inspire, and connect. However, this recent executive order calling for the elimination of the IMLS represents a significant financial threat to library services nationwide.

Sincerely,
Kim Blaha
Executive Director
Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library