With federal funding for libraries increasingly under threat due to President Donald Trump’s recent attempts to freeze congressionally appropriated funds, about 100 Massachusetts library advocates and legislators gathered Friday at Abbot Public Library to assert their commitment to protecting the commonwealth’s libraries from what they characterized as mounting pressures from Washington.
The stakes were laid bare at the Northeast Massachusetts Library Legislative Breakfast at Abbot Public Library, where officials warned of potential freezes to congressionally appropriated funds and emphasized the critical role libraries play in preserving democracy and equal access to information.
“We are unsure of the extent, but if the new administration’s recent attempt to freeze congressionally appropriated funds is any indication, Massachusetts will be forced to make up as much as it possibly can,” said Rep. Jenny Armini. “As Speaker Ron Mariano said this week, we have lost our federal partner again, to what extent we don’t yet know.”
The federal uncertainty looms over critical library programs, including grants that fund English language learning, technology access and services for seniors and disabled residents. Federal money currently supports databases, staff salaries, online learning, advisory services and ebooks across Massachusetts libraries.
“Our libraries do receive federal funding that supports programs and activities. This funding, yes, is in danger at this time,” said Karen Traub, a member of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Traub outlined three state funding priorities for fiscal year 2026: administrative funding for the library board, support for the Massachusetts Center for the Book and state aid to public libraries. These state funds have become increasingly critical as federal support grows uncertain.
Beyond funding concerns, advocates highlighted growing challenges to intellectual freedom. Several bills have been filed in the Massachusetts legislature to protect libraries and library staff.
“Librarians are under attack right now verbally. People are leaving the profession because they’re being bullied, and that absolutely has to stop,” Traub said. She said there are bills filed aimed at protecting librarians and ensuring freedom to read.
Armini drew connections between Massachusetts’ historical role in American democracy and its current stance on libraries.
“When I’m sitting in my seat on the House floor, my eye is often drawn to the names painted on the frieze above — Emerson, Hawthorne, Longfellow are all there,” she said. “Courage, judgment, integrity, dedication — these are the historic qualities of the Bay Colony and the Bay State. Today, the eyes of all people are truly upon us.”
