FTLA Statement on the Trump Administration's Recent Federal Funding Freeze Impacting Libraries

Dear Advocates and the Freedom to Learn Community,

Freedom to Learn Advocates (FTLA) stands in unwavering support of the essential role that libraries play in upholding access to diverse information and fostering educational freedom in our communities.

When the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive earlier this week mandating a temporary halt on all federal financial assistance, including grants and loans to institutions such as libraries, museums, and archives, FTLA wholeheartedly opposed this action.

Two days later, President Trump rescinded the directive and restored normal federal funding for crucial programs like the ones we advocate for. This reversal was due to overwhelming pressure from constituents and groups like FTLA. The purpose of the OMB pause was to force federal agencies to align themselves with President Trump’s executive orders banning federal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

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Libraries are more than just buildings—they are cornerstones of democracy, providing access to knowledge, resources, and the free exchange of ideas. The chilling effects of this funding freeze are felt deeply by all who rely on them for education, community building, and the pursuit of intellectual freedom. Any efforts to limit this access, whether through legislative means or administrative action, directly threaten the foundational principles of our democracy.

At FTLA, we are committed to ensuring that libraries remain spaces where freedom of thought and inquiry are not just preserved but championed. While the President rescinded his latest directive ordering the pause to financial assistance, his administration has signaled that they will continue trying to limit funding to institutions of learning that promote the free exchange of ideas.

We must continue mobilizing resources, building coalitions, and actively fighting against policies that seek to silence diverse voices and restrict information.

But we cannot do this alone. We need your help to stand against these ongoing threats and to continue our work in defending the rights of libraries and the communities they serve. Your financial support is crucial to our ability to take action. Together, we can safeguard intellectual freedom and ensure that libraries remain vibrant spaces for learning and discovery.

Please join us in this critical fight. Make a donation today to support our efforts to defend libraries and protect the freedom to learn for everyone. Unfortunately, our services are needed now more than ever.

For more information on how you can contribute, please visit our website at www.ftla.org. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to ensuring that libraries can continue their mission without obstruction.

In Solidarity,

Team FTLA