April 2, 2025

A Message from WLA President Lindsey Travis

Dear Wyoming Library Community,

This week, employees of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were put on leave, raising concerns about the agency's future and its ability to support libraries nationwide. While many details remain unclear, the Wyoming Library Association wants to make sure that you remain informed about this development and understand how IMLS funds are used statewide. In Wyoming, IMLS funds are granted to the State Library, which uses those funds to help with resource sharing such as our statewide integrated library system and interlibrary loan services. IMLS funds also pay for statewide databases, staff development, and training opportunities.

We will keep you updated as this situation develops and as we find out more information about the future of IMLS and the valuable funds that this agency provides to Wyoming. We remain in constant communication with the State Librarian, who is also an ex-officio member of the WLA Executive Board. Please be prepared to help advocate for library funding if necessary.

Thank you for all that you do for Wyoming libraries,

Lindsey