What cuts to federal library & museum agency mean for Coachella Valley libraries, museums

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – An agency that has provided federal money to Coachella Valley libraries and museums is facing cuts after President Trump issued an executive order slashing the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

According to the American Library Association, the Institute is the nation's only federal agency that provides funding for America's libraries.

In 2024, the Institute provided $266.7 million in grants to museums and libraries across the nation. California received the most money during this time, with $26.4 million being awarded to the state's institutions.

Historically, the agency has provided funding for many of the valley's libraries and museums, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, several tribal nations, and even the Living Desert Zoo.

Cindy Hohl, the President of the American Library Association, says the cuts hurt the public's access to libraries: "When you look at the federal budget and this is .003% of that, and that means $0.75 per capita, I would say that Americans are worth $0.75 each to receive equal access to library services."

Hohl says without necessary funding, communities in rural and underserved communities would be impacted the hardest. She says rural libraries often don't have many local or state funds to utilize, so they rely on federal funding to keep providing important resources, like Internet access, literacy programs, and more.

"Often, the marginalized populations are the ones who have been underserved and undersupported. So to receive this federal grant funding, that's something that helps them keep the doors open," Hohl says.

As the Institute for Museums and Library Services, Hohl also mentions that museums are at risk, too.

"If we see small museums being shuttered, those voices go silent," she continues. "That's a part of American culture and history that we won't have access to. And I don't think that's okay."