Overview
- The American Library Association and AFSCME reached a settlement with the Justice Department on Thursday that ensures the Institute of Museum and Library Services can resume grants, research, and programs.
- The agreement rescinds 2025 reductions in force, authorizes laid-off staff to return to work, and bars new RIFs intended to carry out the executive order that targeted the agency.
- Previously canceled grants are reinstated, and the plaintiffs will file to dismiss the case within seven days if the government follows the deal.
- The settlement comes after Monday’s withdrawal of the administration’s appeal in a parallel case brought by 21 state attorneys general, which kept the agency intact.
- The White House budget for fiscal 2027 proposes no funding for IMLS, and IMLS is the only federal funder of libraries, which makes the appropriations fight decisive for local services.