Press release: One Month After IMLS Defunding: A Lost Opportunity for the Modesto Children’s Museum and California’s Central Valley
Modesto, CA - One month ago, a new Executive Order was issued by the current administration, which aimed at defunding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), along with several other federally-funded programs. This decision has already begun to severely impact libraries and museums across the nation, with consequences being felt in California’s Central Valley.
Museums and libraries contribute over $50 billion to the U.S. economy annually. As we acknowledge their financial impact on the economy, we must also understand the critical role of federal funding in sustaining these institutions. IMLS funding enables museums and libraries to provide free public programming, early literacy initiatives, STEAM education, and workforce development programs that strengthen communities.
While the Modesto Children’s Museum has not previously received funding from IMLS, this year marked their first application for support. As a brand-new museum that has only been open for one year, IMLS was an invaluable opportunity to help grow and expand educational programming for children and families in the Central Valley. The defunding of IMLS is taking away a crucial resource that could have strengthened the Museum’s ability to serve the community.
Had the program remained in place, it could have provided the Modesto Children’s Museum with opportunities to enhance our interactive exhibits, create new hands-on learning experiences, and expand access for underserved families. The elimination of IMLS funding not only threatens established museums but also prevents new institutions like the Modesto Children’s Museum from ever accessing this vital support.
Adding to the uncertainty, the American Alliance of Museums reports that IMLS staff have been placed on administrative leave with no clear communication regarding already committed grants. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is also expected to see staff reductions of 70-80%, and both agencies have begun terminating grants to museums and libraries. The ramifications of these cuts extend beyond immediate financial loss, jeopardizing the long-term viability of museums and libraries across the country.
With no staff in place, the processing of 2025 applications has ceased, and the status of previously awarded grants remains uncertain. It is likely that most grants will be terminated, leaving institutions that depend on IMLS support without essential funding.
Additionally, for the Stanislaus County Library and other libraries across California, this decision threatens statewide resources such as the Palace Project e-book collection, which provides the community with free access to nearly 230,000 digital titles. The elimination of IMLS funding also jeopardizes free professional development for library staff, free online access to The New York Times, summer reading programs, digitized historical documents, and the Braille and Talking Book Library, which serves blind and print-disabled individuals. Since 2020, Stanislaus County Library has received $345,290 in Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants, which have funded critical programs such as Full STEAM Ahead & Stan STEAM, Workforce Partnership Initiative, Uke Got This, and Reading Pathways. Without IMLS, these programs may no longer be sustainable.
The IMLS accounts for only 0.0046% of the national budget, yet its impact is immeasurable. This federal agency does more than provide financial support—it fills a gap that local governments often cannot when museum and library funding is already stretched thin. Beyond funding, IMLS plays a vital role in advancing professional development and innovation in museum and library practices, ensuring that these institutions remain relevant and effective in serving their communities.
For the Modesto Children's Museum, the loss of IMLS is not just a missed funding opportunity—it is a barrier to growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. As we work to expand our programming and reach more children and families in the Central Valley, we urge Congress to recognize the importance of restoring IMLS funding, not only for institutions that have relied on it for years but also for emerging museums like ours that would have benefited for the first time. We urge Congress to recognize the importance of preserving IMLS, not only for its financial contributions but also for its role as a catalyst for professional growth, innovation, and accessibility in museums and libraries.
The Modesto Children’s Museum encourages all who value these institutions to take action by contacting their representatives and advocating for the restoration of IMLS funding.
For more information on how you can support the Modesto Children's Museum and protect vital funding for museums and libraries, visit modestochildrensmuseum.org/support.
About the Modesto Children's Museum
The Modesto Children's Museum is dedicated to fostering curiosity, community and learning through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for children of all ages. Our mission is to enrich the lives of all children by nurturing creativity, critical thinking and a love for lifelong learning.
