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May 15, 2025
LANSING – Potential federal funding cuts would limit access to library materials for Michigan residents, state and local officials say.
During Tuesday’s State Board of Education meeting, a particular focus was the effect on two Library of Michigan programs that are used by residents statewide.
The first, Michigan eLibrary (MeL), provides access to subscription magazines, newspapers, reference books, eBooks, and more on a wide range of topics for all age groups. In 2024, Michigan residents accessed 19.2 million trusted articles and journals through MeL.
Second, MeL Catalog (MeLCat), offers access to physical books and other items from 435 public, academic, and school libraries around the state. One million items were loaned throughout Michigan through MeLCat in 2024.
Both programs face a potential funding challenge after a March 2025 Trump Administration executive order called for eliminating the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries.
Mr. Randy Riley, state librarian, representing the Library of Michigan, raised concerns about being able to continue the programs long term. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the only federal agency providing funds to local Michigan libraries. Michigan receives about $4.8 million per year. The funding has been flat since the late 1990s, Riley said.
“It’s a big risk that (MeL and MeLCat) will disappear, or that they would be altered significantly as to what’s available and who can participate,” Riley said.
Last week, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel secured two preliminary injunctions halting illegal actions by the Trump Administration aimed at dismantling critical federal programs and prematurely ending essential education funding. Nessel joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in April in suing the Trump Administration for attempting to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which are congressionally created agencies.
Presenters to the State of Board of Education included Riley, Dr. Diane Golzynski, deputy superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education Division of Business, Health, and Library Services; Mr. Glenn Fischer, director, DeWitt District Library; and Mr. Larry Neal, director, Clinton-Macomb Public Library.
Fischer said that programs provide a great service to DeWitt.
“We are probably the busiest building in the city,” Fischer said. “That is true of a lot of rural and suburban libraries.”
Neal added that the Clinton-Macomb Public Library handles 1.6 million transactions annually and about 30,000 students are served. He said that a recent survey by his library found that 74% of respondents, or about 3,000 people, felt the programs were a good use of tax dollars.
“Libraries are a gateway to the world for many of our children and their families. Fully funding them is certainly a worthwhile investment, for children, adults, and communities,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.
Learn more about Michigan eLibrary programs by visiting the Library of Michigan website.
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