Thank you to our Southern Maryland library directors for their thoughtful letter to the editor about federal library funding!

Carrie Willson from Calvert Library, KennethWayne Thompson from Charles County Public Library, and Michael Blackwell from St. Mary's County Library highlight the vital role of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in supporting community libraries.

Libraries receive just 0.003% of the federal budget through IMLS. This modest investment ($3.3M for all of Maryland) creates substantial community impact, including: 

- Bookmobiles with Wi-Fi access
- ADA-compliant assistive technology
- Early literacy programs that increase kindergarten readiness
- Virtual job training for skilled trades
- Strategic planning to meet community needs

In Southern Maryland alone, this investment supported 30 projects, 100 programs, 11,000 materials, and 23,000 residents over four years. 

Read the full letter and learn more about supporting Maryland's libraries.