đź“š Libraries Need You
A National Library Week Message from Your Library
This National Library Week, we celebrate libraries' essential role in inspiring curiosity, fostering community, and providing lifelong learning opportunities. But this year, we’re also writing with urgency. Recent decisions at the federal level threaten the funding that supports vital library services here in Marin County and across the nation.
🚨 What’s Happening at the Federal Level
A recent federal executive order threatens the future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the primary source of federal support for libraries. If implemented, this could result in deep cuts to programs funded through California's Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and other vital national initiatives.
Library leaders at every level are taking action:
“Eliminating IMLS would do irreparable harm to communities across the country,” said ALA President Emily Drabinski. “This lawsuit is about protecting public access to the resources people depend on for education, employment, and civic life.”
Together, these legal and advocacy efforts aim to defend the infrastructure that supports everything from workforce training to digital inclusion to early literacy.
⚠️ What’s at Risk for Marin County
While we await more detailed guidance from the California State Library, we already know the consequences could be severe. Key digital tools like Britannica, The New York Times, ProQuest, Alexander Street, and TeachingBooks could be discontinued at the state level. If the State Library cannot maintain access, MARINet (our regional library network) will assess local subscription options.
In 2024, MARINet received a federal grant of $175K from the CA State Library to upgrade the networking infrastructure at seven public libraries. MARINet benefits from the federal E-Rate program, which significantly reduces internet costs for schools and libraries. This program is being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, and its loss would have a devastating impact nationwide.
Since 2022, our library received over $130K in federally funded grants to support our sustainability work, expand our Library of Things collection, and establish our Digi Lab. However, with the elimination of IMLS funds, there will be no grant opportunities to enhance our services and pilot innovations.
đź“ť Local Advocacy in Action
At its March meeting, the Belvedere Tiburon Library Agency Board of Trustees unanimously voted to send letters urging:
âś… Full funding of the California Library Services Act
âś… Restoration and protection of federal IMLS funding
The Belvedere Tiburon Library Foundation joined this effort, sending letters of support as well.
Our leadership is committed to advocating for the services our patrons rely on, and we invite you to join us.
đź’ˇ How You Can Help
Here’s how you can make your voice heard:
đź“ž Call your Congressional representative and urge them to support federal library funding
📤 Share this message with friends and family—every voice helps
Visit the Belvedere Tiburon Library Foundation’s webpage to learn how you can support our community library, from volunteering to donating.
🎉 Libraries Recognized Across California
Amid the challenges, we’re also celebrating. Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis officially proclaimed April 6–12, 2025, as California Library Week to encourage all residents to visit their library, explore its resources, and celebrate how the library draws us together as a community.
We are proud to see our state’s leadership affirm the importance of libraries as centers for literacy, learning, and civic life.
Thank you for celebrating National Library Week with us—and thank you for being a library supporter. Together, we can keep libraries strong and ensure they remain free, accessible, and vibrant for future generations.
With appreciation,
Crystal Duran
Library Director
Belvedere Tiburon Library