Statement From ALA: Trump Administration Withdraws Appeal, Securing Historic Victory For Libraries and IMLS

Here’s the Full Text of an American Libraries Association (ALA) Statement:

On April 6, a federal court granted the Trump Administration’s request to withdraw its appeal of a federal judge’s earlier ruling that struck down the Administration’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the only federal agency dedicated to providing funding for the nation’s libraries.

The dismissal brings to an end a lawsuit filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states in April 2025. In a decision issued on November 21, 2025, the federal District Court for the District of Rhode Island nullified the administration’s actions to dismantle IMLS and permanently barred the administration from taking further steps to eliminate the agency.

ALA President Sam Helmick said, “Today’s action finally lays to rest President Trump’s executive order that threatened countless library services available to anyone who walks into one of our nation’s 115,000 public, school, academic and other libraries.

“This is a triumph for everyone who values access to information, education and opportunity. Libraries can move forward with confidence that IMLS funding will be available to sustain the vital services communities rely on. However, we cannot forget that President Trump is still asking Congress to end funding for IMLS. That decision is partly in the hands of constituents. Library supporters must call on Congress to protect the future of IMLS.”

ALA is grateful for the leadership of the 21 state Attorneys General who filed the case, Rhode Island v. Trump.

Separately, ALA filed its own lawsuit challenging the Administration’s actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In May 2025, ALA’s lawsuit won a temporary restraining order, which prevented the mass layoff of nearly all IMLS employees, days before it was scheduled to take effect.  That case is pending.

ALA also has led efforts in Congress to preserve IMLS, mobilizing thousands of library supporters to urge Congress to protect IMLS. As Congress moves forward with FY 2027 appropriations, ALA is calling on advocates to urge their congressmembers to sustain funding for the agency’s vital work. Having won a slight increase in library funding in FY 2026, advocates are urging their Senators to sign “Dear Appropriator” letters supporting funding for the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by IMLS.

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