We are writing to highlight an urgent issue that threatens our community: the defunding of our nation’s libraries due to a recent executive order. The order aims to eliminate funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the sole federal agency dedicated to supporting public libraries nationwide. The proposed cuts jeopardize essential services such as interlibrary loans, eBook services, and crucial grants.

Forbes Library provides free access to information, technology, and educational programs — from story hours that inspire a love of reading in children, to job search assistance and digital literacy classes for adults. Libraries offer opportunities that are accessible to everyone. The loss of IMLS destabilizes funding for Forbes and would severely impair the ability to provide these vital services.

We urge our community to unite in supporting Forbes Library by contacting our federal legislators and by making financial donations to strengthen the library at a time when more people will be relying on its services.

Tuesday, April 1 is Library Giving Day. Inspired by the generosity of donors and the mission of the library, the Friends of Forbes Library is matching donations up to $25,000. Together, we can ensure that Forbes Library remains a thriving center of learning, innovation, and community engagement.

Please join us in supporting our local library by making a donation on Library Giving Day: forbeslibrary.org/giving/donate-online/.

Katy Wight and Debin Bruce

Chair and vice-chair of Forbes Library trustees, Northampton