An executive order recently signed by President Trump could cut funding to Kentucky’s libraries and museums. Federal data shows that the Institute of Museum and Library Services provides more than four million dollars to Kentucky for various library and museum programs.
With this being an executive order there is still some confusion as to what will actually be impacted. Beth Musgrave is a reporter with the Lexington Herald Leader and has been covering the story. She said some of the funding could be safe from cuts.
“What some of the library associations believe is that some of the money that flows through the institute is through block grants, like to the Kentucky Department of Archives.”
Musgrave said federal data shows the $2.7 million grant to the Kentucky Department for Archives and Library Services supports the department’s day-to-day operations.
She said this cut could have a major impact for rural communities, where public libraries play a bigger role.
“Many public libraries, particularly in rural areas, act more as community centers. They were instrumental during COVID to provide internet service, fast internet service to both students and adults alike.”
Beth Musgrave's reporting on this story can be found here.
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