FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contact
Giuliana Bullard 
202-653-4799
gbullard@imls.gov

President’s FY 2017 Budget Request Includes $230,000,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Washington, DC—President Obama today released his FY 2017 budget request, which includes $230,000,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS, which will celebrate its 20 year anniversary this year, provides leadership for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums through grant making, policy development, and research. The Congressional Justification, which contains detailed information on the Budget Request, is now available at https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/publications/documents/fy17cj.pdf  on the IMLS website, as well as the IMLS Budget table: https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/budgettable_14-17.pdf  

“Museums and libraries serve as anchors in communities all across the country,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew.  “This budget capitalizes upon the agency’s role as a convener and a grant maker in order to strengthen our nation’s museums and libraries. It also includes several focused initiatives—such as building capacity in collections care skills and developing community-based solutions for veterans and military families—where we hope to examine best practices in the field, and where possible, scale more broadly.” 

The request includes:

• $182,429,000 for library grant programs authorized by the LSTA.
  • Grants to State Library Agencies
  • Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services
  • Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program
  • National Leadership Grants for Libraries

• $30,244,000 for museum grants and related programs.
  • Museums for America
  • Native American/ Native Hawaiian Museum Services
  • National Leadership Grants for Museums

• $1,407,000 for the grant program authorized by the African American History and Culture Act;

• $1,920,000 to collect data, carry out research, and identify best practices of the nation’s libraries and museums and future opportunities.

IMLS supports all types of libraries, including public, academic, school, tribal, and research; and all types of museums, including botanic gardens, aquariums, and zoos, as well as art, history, science, children’s, and tribal museums.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.