Institute of Museum and Library Services
The primary federal agency advancing, supporting, and empowering America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development.
Public library outlets — main branches, bookmobiles, and service points across all 50 states, DC, and territories
Congressional appropriation for library and museum services, including Grants to States, Native American programs, and Laura Bush 21C
Americans visit public libraries more than they visit professional sporting events, theme parks, and national parks combined
53.5% of all Americans — the highest proportion ever recorded — hold an active public library card
"To advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development so that communities and individuals thrive."
— Statutory Mission · Museum and Library Services Act
Mission & Mandate
"To advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development so that communities and individuals thrive."
— Museum and Library Services Act, PL 115-410 (2018 Reauthorization)
Independent Federal Agency
IMLS was established September 30, 1996, by the Museum and Library Services Act — consolidating the former Institute of Museum Services and the Library Programs Office of the Department of Education. Independence from cabinet agencies ensures that grantmaking decisions remain free from political departmental interference.
Library Services & Technology Act
LSTA — the library-specific title within MLSA — authorizes the Grants to States program, the largest source of federal funding for public libraries. Each state library administrative agency submits a five-year plan identifying needs and establishing LSTA-funded programs. Tribal and Native Hawaiian libraries receive dedicated allocations outside the state formula.
Grant Programs
Five funding opportunities administered through the Office of Library Services. All programs require registration at SAM.gov and submission through Grants.gov.
Grants to States
State Library Administrative Agencies
Formula-based grants distributed to all 50 states, DC, and territories. Each SLAA submits a five-year plan identifying library needs. Funds support broadband access, workforce development, early literacy, and digital equity programs at the local level.
National Leadership Grants for Libraries
Libraries, library consortia, and library schools
Competitive grants for projects that generate and disseminate new knowledge to advance library practice. Priorities include community resilience, digital infrastructure, workforce development, and collections stewardship.
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian
Graduate library programs and library systems
Supports recruitment, education, and professional development of library and information professionals. Funds doctoral fellowships, master's programs, continuing education, and research in library science.
Native American Library Services
Federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native villages
Basic grants supporting core library operations for tribal libraries. Enhancement grants fund targeted improvements to services, collections, and infrastructure. Technical assistance available year-round through the Office of Library Services.
Native Hawaiian Library Services
Organizations primarily serving Native Hawaiians
Grants to nonprofit organizations that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians, supporting library programs that preserve Native Hawaiian culture and provide essential information services.
All IMLS grants require an active SAM.gov registration and submission through Grants.gov. Technical assistance is available for first-time applicants.
Strategic Plan
The IMLS FY 2022–2026 Strategic Plan frames how the agency envisions meeting the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the American public.
Champion Lifelong Learning
Supporting institutions' work to open themselves up to all community members, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, or experience. IMLS-funded programs reach rural Appalachian story hours and urban flagship circulating Narcan kits alongside bestsellers.
Strengthen Community Engagement
Enabling institutions and their partners to foster dialogue that addresses and incorporates diverse community needs and experiences — from tribal libraries preserving indigenous languages to urban branches serving new immigrant communities.
Advance Collections Stewardship
Ensuring that America's cultural heritage — from digitized manuscripts to born-digital government records — is preserved, accessible, and trusted. IMLS supports digitization projects that make collections available to researchers worldwide.
Advance Racial Equity & Inclusion
Embedding equity into every aspect of IMLS operations — from how grants are designed and awarded to how data is collected and reported. IMLS is committed to ensuring that federal library funding reaches historically underserved communities.
Impact & Research
IMLS is the primary federal source of data on libraries and museums. Research initiatives track equity, access, workforce, and collections across 50 states and territories.
Digital Equity & Broadband Access
Libraries serve as the last mile of broadband infrastructure for 21 million Americans without home internet. IMLS-funded research maps connectivity gaps and funds pilot programs for rural and tribal communities.
Workforce Development
The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program has funded the training of over 10,000 library professionals since 2003, including doctoral fellowships, master's scholarships, and continuing education for rural library workers.
Collections & Preservation
National Leadership Grants fund digitization projects that have made millions of items freely accessible online — from Civil War diaries to indigenous language recordings — while building sustainable preservation infrastructure.
Public Library Statistics
IMLS collects the Public Libraries Survey — the definitive national dataset on library usage, staffing, and collections. The 2022 survey documented 671 million physical visits, with urban libraries reporting 24% growth in 2023.
Reinstated Grants & Congressional Authorization
Following a December 3, 2025 federal court ruling, IMLS announced the reinstatement of all previously canceled federal grants. Congress will determine FY 2026 appropriations. All current grant programs remain fully operational. State library agencies should continue submitting five-year plans on schedule.