The Hidden Heart of Our Library: What’s at Risk If Federal Funding Disappears

When we walk into the Blackstone Public Library, we often don’t think twice about how our favorite services are made possible. Whether it’s checking out a new audiobook on Libby, signing the kids up for summer reading, or having access to databases for school reports and job searches—these things just seem like they’re always there. But they’re not guaranteed.

Due to recent federal actions, library services that the Blackstone community relies on could be at risk next year—and not just in a vague, distant way. We’re talking about programs that touch nearly every household, classroom, and age group in town.

What’s Happening?

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency, provides crucial funding to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), which in turn supports libraries across the state—including ours in Blackstone.

Earlier this year, federal funding was unexpectedly frozen. This halted grants to many local libraries across Massachusetts, impacting programs they had already been approved for. While the Blackstone Public Library was fortunate to have already received the deposit for our current programs, any future grant-based plans could be in jeopardy.

This isn’t about politics—it’s about community. And it’s about understanding what could change next year if this funding disappears.

How This Affects Blackstone

Here’s a breakdown of real services in our town supported directly or indirectly by IMLS funding:

Access to Libby and eBooks

The statewide Library eBook and Audiobook Program (LEA) allows Blackstone residents to borrow from a digital collection of over 685,000 titles through platforms like Libby. Federal funds cover the platform fees. Without this funding, towns might have to pay those fees themselves—meaning increased local costs or reduced access.

Interlibrary Loans Beyond CWMARS

We use CWMARS for our interlibrary loans, but what if a book you want isn’t in our network? The Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat) allows borrowing from across all library networks in the state, like SAILS and NOBLE. That system is federally funded, and without it, access shrinks.

Research Databases for Students and Teachers

Blackstone’s students, educators, homeschoolers, and anyone that needs to do research rely on statewide research databases funded by IMLS. These give access to scholarly journals, articles, and resources schools couldn’t afford on their own. Last year, over 9 million full-text downloads came from these databases, and about 60% of that use came from schools. Pebble Go for kids, Transparent Languages, the Boston Globe archive, the New York Times archive, test prep for SAT, LSAT, or any other statewide database for research may be eliminated.

Summer Reading, Literacy, and Inclusive Programming

Those fun summer reading challenges? The programs for visually impaired patrons? Grants supporting diversity and early literacy? All rooted in IMLS-funded programs.

Local Staff Education and Certification

Our own young adult library staff member recently received state certification as a paralibrarian thanks to MBLC’s free training programs—also funded by IMLS. These opportunities help staff grow and stay in our community, rather than requiring expensive graduate programs.

Emergency Preparedness and Local History Preservation

IMLS funding also supports training for disaster preparedness, ensuring that precious local history collections and essential resources are protected in times of crisis.

Local Programs Made Possible by IMLS Grants

Many of the engaging programs hosted by the Blackstone Public Library are made possible through funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by the MBLC. These include:

• Vintage Family History Scrapbooking Classes
• The Heritage Book Club for Adults
• Preserving Family Memories for Young Adults (Decorating a frame for treasured photos)
• Irish Immigrants Building America, a historical presentation for all ages
• Warp and Weft, a kids’ historical program with Anne O’Connor (Grades 4–8)
• Scanning Days, where residents can digitize old photographs

These are more than just fun events—they are learning opportunities, community gatherings, and preservation efforts. Without future grant funding, these may be impossible to continue.

What Does It Mean for the Future?

As Library Director Lisa Cheever shared during the April 14 Trustees Meeting, the impacts may not be immediate—but they are real.

• Prices may rise for digital platforms like OverDrive (used by Libby).
• Access could shrink if statewide systems can’t be maintained.
• Town budgets or fundraising efforts may have to shoulder more costs.
• Future grant opportunities may disappear entirely, limiting new programming and innovation.

“It’s not a dollar value per se,” Lisa said. “It’s a dollar value on services that we might not be provided with.”

What You Can Do

We can’t afford to wait until services are lost to care. Here’s how to show up for your library:

👉 Contact Congress

Use the American Library Association’s advocacy tools to ask for restored IMLS funding.

👉 Contact Your Local Legislators

Let your voice be heard:

• State Representative: Michael Soter
• State Senator: Ryan Fattman

👉 Support the Library Locally

Participate in Friends of the Blackstone Public Library fundraisers, volunteer, or donate when you can.

👉 Share the Story

Tell your neighbors. The more people understand what’s at risk, the better chance we have to preserve what matters.

The Blackstone Public Library is a cornerstone of our community—offering education, enrichment, and connection for all ages. It’s where stories come to life, where memories are made, and where futures are shaped. Let’s show our support and ensure that this incredible resource continues to thrive for generations to come.

This article is part of our mission to inform, inspire, and amplify the stories that matter to the Blackstone community. If you’d like to write an article or suggest a topic, contact us at editor@smalltownpost.com.