Texas libraries, museums and archives could undergo budget cuts from one of the seven named executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on March 14. Executive order “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” aims to reduce the federal funding allocated to multiple agencies within the federal bureaucracy, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The IMLS is an independent federal agency that supports all 50 states and U.S. territories’ libraries, archives and museums.
Multiple state organizations under the IMLS have issued statements in response to the executive order, but the State of Texas has not released a statement as of this current issue. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission refused to comment for The Paisano.
Texas houses over 14,000 libraries that are supported and funded by the IMLS, 29 of which are in San Antonio.
According to San Antonio Express News, the city’s public libraries are monitoring the situation. The Witte, Mcnay and San Antonio’s Museum of Art have received numerous grants such as the Mellon Foundation Grant, National Endowment for the Arts and the San Antonio-based Less Charitable Trust. The city’s libraries also receive their grants from Texas State Library and Archives Commission with bond programs and private donations contributing to their funding as well.
These grants from IMLS provide money to help fund their exhibits, events and educational services. As of current issue, the funding for these city institutions has not been affected by the federal cuts. When contacted regarding the developing situation, the aforementioned museums and The Central Library declined to comment.
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