Understanding the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and How You Can Help Preserve It

What do museums mean to you? Every day we hear from Museum visitors who found something inspiring, beautiful, or challenging on our walls—from individuals who learned something new at one of our programs, from community members who enjoyed a pop-up Crocker event in their neighborhood, or from caretakers who saw the children in their life light up with joy and awe thanks to Museum educators. 

The Crocker is able to offer these experiences, which are often life-changing, thanks to the financial support of many individuals and public entities—but some of these crucial funding sources are in jeopardy.  

A recent executive order could eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The IMLS is the independent federal agency that provides essential support to museums, libraries, and archives across the country. The agency places a significant focus on rural and small institutions that serve as vital cultural and community hubs. Without this support, many of these organizations—including ours—could face deep uncertainty. 

The IMLS has been a critical partner in the Crocker’s work. Over the past 20 years, the Museum has received more than $900,000 in IMLS funding, enabling beloved community programs like Crocker Together, Block by Block, and Art Spots, as well as crucial capacity-building initiatives. 

The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums, and makes up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget; museums, in turn, generate $50 billion dollars in economic benefits to the American economy and support more than 726,000 jobs, including 105 here at the Crocker.  

This executive order could result in IMLS closing by the end of the week—but we can take action now to help stop it. 

📞Call or ✍️ write your members of Congress. The American Alliance of Museums has provided a template letter and phone script, and we encourage you to share your personal story to illustrate how cultural institutions like ours impact your life.  

Thank you for considering taking a few minutes to make a big difference.