March for the Penguins: Flippers Off IMLS!

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Act today to protect libraries, museums, and aquariums!

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary federal agency responsible for helping museums connect people to information and ideas. The mission of the IMLS is to advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. It supports all types of museums - including aquariums and zoos - by awarding grants that help them educate students, preserve and digitize collections, and connect with their communities.

Last week, the IMLS placed 85% of its staff on administrative leave and terminated statutorily mandated grants to institutions across the country. The disruption of grant funding will result in a severe reduction of museum and library services, and many institutions cannot do their vital work without the support they receive from the IMLS.

Join aquariums across the country to urge Congress to protect libraries, museums, and aquariums!

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Members of Congress

Subject: Protect the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Message:

I’m writing today to express my deep concern about the broad cuts at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and urge you to oppose actions to undermine the IMLS’s ability to accomplish its critically important mission to advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, aquariums, and related organizations

Last week, the IMLS placed 85% of its staff on administrative leave and terminated statutorily mandated grant awards to institutions across the country. The disruption of grant funding will result in a severe reduction of museum and library services, and many institutions cannot do this vital work without the support they receive from the IMLS. Grants and contracts already awarded should continue uninterrupted consistent with the budgets, guidance, and requests issued by Congress when those grants were awarded.

Aquariums and zoos, in addition to 35,000 museums and 123,000 libraries across the country, contribute to the wellbeing and advancement of our communities using IMLS funding to develop and expand programs that educate, entertain, and engage visitors. The IMLS makes up only 0.0046% of the overall federal budget to support the most beloved and trusted of American institutions that inspires hundreds of millions of Americans, including me, to care about our natural world. These institutions also serve as economic engines for our communities. For example, aquariums and zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums contribute $30 billion dollars to the U.S. economy each year, support more than 250,000 full-time American jobs, and welcome more than 200 million visitors.

The IMLS is a vital independent federal agency that plays a crucial role in helping libraries and museums, including aquariums and zoos, better serve our communities and ensure access to cultural and natural heritage for all. The IMLS cannot withstand broad cuts without significantly diminishing its capacity to support these institutions nationwide.

I urge you to stand up for the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the workforce that supports it.

Thank you,

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