Find Your Allies. Open the Window.
Together we strengthen literacy, protect free access to information, and support Monterey County Free Libraries.
What We Stand For
Find out about your County Elections Board
Libraries are the cornerstones of democracy. By participating in local elections, you ensure that our community continues to have free access to information, literacy programs, and safe public spaces. Your vote directly impacts the leadership that funds and protects our library system.
Why do libraries matter to you?
By submitting, you agree that your response may be featured on our website and social media. Thank you for sharing your love of reading!
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
What is the IMLS?
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is an independent federal agency that provides library grants, museum grants, policy development, and research.
Our Mission/Our Vision
IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage.
What’s happening now? (updated monthly)
The IMLS Strategic Plan for FY 2022-2026 outlines four strategic goals that underpin the agency’s programs and services. These include being a Champion of Lifelong Learning; Strengthening Community Engagement; Advancing Collections Stewardship and Access; and Demonstrating Excellence in Public Service.
April 3, 2026
Washington – The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 federal budget released today by the White House would cut funding for the only federal agency dedicated to supporting all types of libraries, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS); the school library program Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL); and several library-eligible programs. The American Library Association (ALA) released the following statement from ALA President Sam Helmick:
“The president has repeatedly underestimated congressional support for libraries and the lengths to which
advocates will go to protect library services. Thanks to library advocacy, Congress increased library
funding, just as they did all four years of the president’s first term.”
On April 6, 2026, a federal court approved the Trump Administration's request to withdraw their appeal of an earlier ruling reinstating the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in the case Rhode Island v. Trump. On April 9, ALA and our co-plaintiff AFSCME signed a binding settlement agreement with the Department of Justice ensuring IMLS stays intact and continues its congressionally mandated work, bringing our own lawsuit, ALA v. Sonderling, to a close. Because of these lawsuits and their outcomes, as of April 2026, the Administration's earlier Executive Order cannot be implemented, and all previous actions to do so have been reversed.
Updated April 9, 2026
What are the advocacy opportunities?
Sign up here for ALA (American Library Association) action alerts:
Our Allies
Your Name
Organization description
Join the Movement
Our advocacy work grows stronger through partnership. We connect with community members, organizations, and leaders who share a commitment to literacy, free access to information, and the vital role of public libraries.
Together, we build relationships, expand our reach, and support efforts that strengthen our communities and protect the values libraries represent.
We invite individuals and organizations to join us in advancing the mission of Monterey County Free Libraries and ensuring access, opportunity, and knowledge for all.
Find Your Allies: Join Our Shared Network
Register your organization with the FMCFL Advocacy Committee by filling out this form.
Join our network to be listed on our website and support equity, literacy, and community well-being across Monterey County.