Here at Redwood City Public Library, both staff and community members are voicing strong concerns about the future of federal funding for libraries.
As interim library director, I am committed to keeping our community informed during these uncertain times by sharing what I know and providing guidance on how to advocate for the library services we all value.
On March 14, President Donald Trump issued executive orders targeting the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
California State Librarian Greg Lucas shared with the library community that “Congress was explicit in the 2018 Museum and Library Services Act that the institute is statutorily required to send federal funding to state libraries under the grants to states program.”
Last year, the institute provided $200 million to states through the grants to states program, with $15.9 million allocated to the California State Library.
This federal funding, known as the Library Services and Technology, empowers CSL to grant funds to California Libraries for Community Impact grants, the state’s eBooks for all California Library, the state’s Play for All project, the Sustainable California Libraries grant program, and Teens Succeed internship project.
The funds allow local libraries to innovate and pilot programs under these grant categories. Many local Bay Area libraries benefit from them.
Last year, Redwood City’s library received $55,000 for the 2024-25 Sustainable California Libraries. The project, called Roots of Change, is a year-long effort to improve long-term environmental and health outcomes, both for individuals and collectively, in the Redwood City community.
Other services Redwood City’s library can access thanks to federal funding include The New York Times Online for Public Libraries, eBooks For All California and CalMatters for Learning. The federal funding allows individual libraries to allocate local funds that focus on local needs.
Recently, Redwood City applied for a $50,000 Teens Succeed grant which, if granted, will allow the library to employ teen interns in the summer and throughout the year.
One big source of funding to the Redwood City library is through the California Library Literacy Services (approximately $340,000) for literacy and English as a second language. Without these critical funds, the library’s ability to provide literacy services to the community would be severely reduced.
Last year, the Redwood City library improved the literacy levels of 689 adults.
In 2024-25, the Redwood City library received approximately $403,000 in federal funding through the California State Library; approximately 3.2% of its budget. The majority of the library’s budget comes from Redwood City’s General Fund ($11.6 million). Local funders contributed approximately $424,000, or 3.4% of the budget.
The potential loss of federal funding would create a gap that must be filled by other sources or result in reduced services to the community.
Libraries are essential community spaces that provide the opportunity for all to learn and grow. Anyone can use their voice to help ensure libraries have the essential funding to continue to support our vulnerable communities.
We may not know how federal cuts will impact our local libraries, but it is never too early to take action and advocate for them!
Act now to stand up for libraries with these resources: EveryLibrary: Take Action to Save Federal Funding for Libraries; American Library Association: Save the Institute of Museum & Library Services; and California Library Association: Infographic of Library Investment in California.
Sarah La Torra, interim library director for Redwood City Public Library, has worked in public libraries for 22 years (with almost 18 years in Redwood City) as a children’s librarian, teen services librarian, library services supervisor, division manager of customer experience and interim human services manager. The proud mama of two beautiful teenage daughters and one adorable labradoodle, she loves volunteering, baking, reading and gardening with her husband and family.
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