Cut funding to libraries? What the heck?

President Trump

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington D.C.  20500
1 April 2017

Dear President Trump:
 

I recently read of an action you have taken that has tested to the limits my ability to engage in a polite level of civil discourse. Let me explain.
 

I work in my college campus's library. As someone who has grown up around and has loved being part of the welcoming community that is a public library, I absolutely love my job. Recently my supervisor forwarded an email from a Michigan librarian to all of the student workers at my college. This message informed us that your administration has decided that the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and within that, the Library Services and Technology Act which the IMLS administers, are non essential. They are on your list of things to be eliminated, and thus, they do not receive any funding in the new budget you have proposed.
 

This is appalling. This is absurd. Libraries serve as places of equality and learning in communities across America. They are not only places for books to be shared with everyone, although that alone should be reason enough to spare some funding. They are places for communities to join together and have clubs, do activities, and get to know one another. Many children across the country have fond memories of "story hour" as children. Libraries are available to everyone. They do not discriminate based on gender, race, or economic status. Federal dollars are an essential part of this. When the federal dollars are joined with state ones to fund the library (and, I may add, the state is incentivized to set aside this money for libraries because if they not set aside a certain amount, they do not receive the federal dollars for funding the same thing), they can accomplish amazing things together. 

 

Frankly, sir, I see absolutely no need or reason to eliminate funding for libraries. I do not know how much you have used them in your life, but they have been a source of comfort and freedom for many people in many diverse situations. From a farmer looking to do research on taxes to an aspiring fashion designer looking for some advice from those who have gone before her to someone looking advice on how to start a business to someone who is looking for a way to escape their life for an hour or two, libraries are there. I hope and pray that you will not cut their funding. Please acknowledge the great contribution that Libraries supply to America. 

Sincerely,

K.