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Judge’s Ruling Forces Restoration Of Federal Library Grants; IMLS Funding Reinstated

04:55 PM, 12/05/2025

A federal judge ruled that attempts to defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services were unlawful, prompting IMLS to reinstate all federal grants and supersede prior termination notices. The decision came after a lawsuit by 21 state attorneys general following a White House move that halved IMLS funding and placed staff on leave. The American Library Association praised the reinstatement but warned the administration could appeal and urged continued advocacy to protect future funding.

Federal Library Grants Reinstated After Court Order

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has reinstated all federal grants after a federal judge found that efforts to defund and dismantle the agency were unlawful. The agency said the reinstatement "supersedes any prior notices which may have been received related to grant termination." IMLS provides funding to libraries and museums in all 50 states.

Court Decision and Lawsuit

The move follows a November ruling by U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell, who concluded the administration’s efforts to curtail IMLS funding violated legal limits on executive authority. A coalition of 21 state attorneys general filed suit in April after the White House halved the independent agency’s budget and placed staff on administrative leave while seeking to reduce operations to a so-called "minimum presence."

"The question presented in this case is a familiar one: may the Executive Branch undertake such actions in circumvention of the will of the Legislative Branch?" Judge McConnell wrote. "In recent months, this Court — along with other courts across the country — has concluded that it may not. That answer remains the same here."

Impact And Reactions

Last year, IMLS awarded $266.7 million in grants to support libraries and museums, along with policymaking and research initiatives. National organizations that represent libraries welcomed the court-ordered reinstatement.

Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association (ALA), called the reinstatement "a massive win for libraries of all kinds in all states," noting that public, school and academic libraries — and their patrons — benefit from the research findings and program outcomes supported by IMLS grants.

Helmick also urged continued public advocacy: the administration could appeal the ruling, and Congress controls future appropriations. "We are breathing a sigh of relief, but the fight is not finished," he said, urging constituents to remind lawmakers at every level why libraries deserve robust support.

What To Watch

The immediate effect is that previously terminated grants may be resumed, allowing grantees to continue services and programs. However, the long-term funding outlook for IMLS depends on potential appeals and future Congressional appropriations.

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