Federal funding cuts force Raynham Public Library to lose databases and services
Library Director Karen O'Brien warns of significant impact as Institute of Museum and Library Sciences funding eliminated, affecting talking books, e-resources and state support.
RAYNHAM - June 24 - The Raynham Public Library faces significant service reductions after federal funding cuts eliminated the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), forcing the library to lose multiple databases and resources as of July 1.
Library Director Karen O'Brien told the Board of Selectmen during their June 24 meeting that the current administration cut the IMLS funding across the country in March, resulting in disruption for public libraries nationwide.
"The current president and administration has cut the IMLS funding across the country," O'Brien said. "That tiny, tiny branch that takes a very small percentage of the federal budget… and everyone was fired."
The cuts directly impact Raynham residents' access to library services. O'Brien explained that 15 databases will be eliminated, including popular resources like talking books for the blind and various e-resources.
To maintain some services, O'Brien supplemented one of the most popular databases - a language learning resource - ensuring the town retains access to current language learning tools. However, many other services cannot be replaced due to budget constraints.
The funding cuts create uncertainty beyond immediate service losses. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, which manages state aid and funding for public libraries, receives partial federal funding and faces potential job eliminations.
"The organization, the Mass Board of Library Commissioners that basically runs the money and funds the state aid is partially federally funded," O'Brien said. "So they're waiting to see if their jobs are going to be gone forever."
The uncertainty extends to grant programs that libraries depend on for additional funding. O'Brien mentioned attending training for a large continuing education grant she applies for annually, but the program's future remains unclear.
"The giant CE grant I apply for every year that I actually trained for this morning we think is going to happen, but we don't know," she said.
The IMLS cuts affect public libraries nationwide through the SAILS Library Network, which provides consortium services to libraries including Raynham. O'Brien serves as vice president on the network's executive board, representing libraries serving populations under 15,000.
O'Brien emphasized the importance of staying connected with the SAILS network, which provides numerous services to member libraries. The network helps libraries operate more efficiently through shared resources and coordinated services.
"It is important to stay in contact with the SAILS network because they do provide a tremendous amount of services to us," O'Brien said.
Despite the federal funding challenges, the Raynham Public Library continues operating other programs and services. O'Brien reported that the library trustees recently completed and signed off on a new five-year plan, which took nearly a year to develop and includes two years of action plans.
The library also benefits from local support through the Friends of the Library organization. Following a successful book sale in March, the Friends provided approximately $5,000 to cover the cost of museum passes, which offer discounts to museums, parks, beaches, camping facilities, aquariums and zoos.
The library currently has two vacancies on its Board of Library Trustees, with hopes to fill those positions. O'Brien noted that trustees meet only once monthly and described the group as "lovely."
Summer programming continues despite the funding uncertainty. The library launched its 2025 summer reading program with the theme "Level Up the Library," focusing on gaming activities. The program includes the popular Scrabble-themed activity where participants earn tiles for reading and can win prizes.
The program will conclude with the traditional ice cream truck event, funded by the Friends of the Library. O'Brien also mentioned that Town Moderator John Donahue recently conducted a program at the library, spending an hour and a half answering residents' questions about Town Meeting procedures.
For current information about the federal funding situation, O'Brien directed residents to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners website, where the most updated information from the state is distributed to all public libraries.
The Institute of Museum and Library Sciences traditionally provides federal support for library services nationwide. The elimination of this funding represents a shift in federal support for public library operations and services.
The Raynham Public Library continues seeking ways to maintain services despite the funding challenges, relying increasingly on local support and creative solutions to serve the community's needs.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Raynham Channel.
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