501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
SB 536, Federal Funding, and Libraries
“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.” – Andrew Carnegie
April 6–12 is National Library Week—a time to celebrate the vital role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.
However, as we come together to highlight the positive impact of libraries, libraries in Arkansas and across the country are facing serious threats.
Here are two key issues you should know about:
- On April 2, Senate Bill 536 narrowly passed the Arkansas Senate. The bill, if it becomes law, would transfer the authorities, funds, contracts and employees of the Arkansas State Library and its board to the Arkansas Department of Education. It places restrictive standards on materials intended for adults, based on what might be considered too explicit for young children, limiting access to information and disproportionately impacting small and rural communities.
But this bill isn’t just about books—it also puts critical digital resources at risk. SB 536 would abolish the Arkansas State Library, removing access to shared databases for career development, student research, and language learning. The State Library administers grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding used to enhance library services statewide, supporting summer reading programs, expanding access to eBooks and audiobooks, and providing resources for the visually impaired.
- Following an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on March 14, IMLS is now in jeopardy. The Arkansas State Library receives $850,000 from IMLS that allows Arkansas residents access to essential resources tailored to local needs. If each public library, university, and school purchased access to these resources, the total cost would be more than $53 million.
What does this mean?
- CALS databases that could be affected include Career and Technical Education, HeritageQuest, Pronunciator, ProQuest Central, STEM Databases, and World Book.
- SB536’s sponsors have not yet specified how these changes will be implemented, only that responsibilities will be transferred to the Department of Education.
- IMLS has suspended all grant disbursements, including reimbursements, and placed its entire staff of 70 on administrative leave.
Libraries and museums drive economic growth and provide a strong return on investment. The loss of state and federal support would devastate library services—affecting everything from books to job training tools. We urge you to consider how your family uses the library. It’s more than a place for children’s books—it’s a cornerstone of lifelong learning, workforce development, and community access to information. SB 536 and the possible elimination of IMLS put all of that at risk.
How can you help?
- Contact your state legislators and share your personal story about what libraries mean to you, their importance to communities and your concerns about SB536. Time is of the essence. Please contact your representatives ASAP.
- Not sure what to say to your legislators? Unite Against Book Bans makes it easy. Just fill out their form with your district information, and they’ll send a templated email to the appropriate representatives on your behalf. Fill out the form.
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