Podcast Summary: It Could Happen Here – "The Library Funding Cliff"

Date: March 31, 2025
Host: James Stout (Cool Zone Media, iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Jamie (Librarian)

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the imminent threat facing U.S. public libraries due to proposed federal cuts, specifically the possible dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Host James sits down with Jamie, a public librarian, to unpack what these funding cuts mean for libraries, the communities that depend on them, and the ideology behind ongoing budget assaults. The conversation covers history, practical impacts, community organizing, and ways listeners can support libraries in perilous times.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is the IMLS and Why It's at Risk

[03:19–06:38]

• IMLS Defined: Jamie explains that the Institute of Museum and Library Services is federally funded through congressional allocation, then distributed as grants to states and institutions.
• Support Provided: Funds vital projects—digitization, summer reading programs, internet access equipment, rural/tribal library support, job training, and interlibrary loan.
• The Threat: A recent executive order from the Trump administration aims to dissolve IMLS, though Congress has already allocated funds for 2024.
  • Quote – Jamie: “The entire budget of IMLs for 2024 was something like $266 million... we're not going to be saving on our taxes if this goes away. But that money makes a really big difference.” [06:38]

2. Just How Crucial Library Funding Is

[06:38–10:57]

• Libraries as a Social Safety Net: Jamie elaborates on libraries’ role as one of America’s last remaining safety nets, providing access to internet, social workers, tax forms, and a safe haven for marginalized groups, especially homeless populations.
  • Quote – Jamie: “For better or for worse, public libraries in the United States have become the social safety net of last resort because they already exist almost everywhere.” [08:36]
• Beyond Books: Services like technology classes, research databases, youth clubs, and vital public programming are highlighted as reliant on IMLS grants.

3. The Ongoing Assault on Libraries & The Politics Behind It

[15:44–20:39]

• Budget Cuts & Police Funding: James shares local (San Diego) and national experiences, highlighting the recurring pattern of slashing library budgets while increasing police funding—even under “progressive” politicians.
  • Quote – James: “This is our progressive mayor who has been anything but... for the last at least half decade [librarians] have faced funding cuts.” [15:44]
• Neoliberal Underpinnings: Jamie traces these politics back to decades of neoliberal policy, beginning in earnest during the Clinton administration, shifting public service logic to profit-prioritization over public good.
  • Quote – Jamie: “We have a neoliberal problem... all activity should generate obvious immediate monetary profit... when the powers that be look at libraries, they just see money being flushed down the toilet.” [16:40]
• Libraries as Preventive Social Infrastructure: Jamie underscores libraries’ role in preventing deeper social ills, drawing clear contrasts to carceral logic.

4. Can Libraries Exist Without the State? Models & Possibilities

[20:39–22:52]

• Historic Alternatives: James brings up syndicalist and anarchist community-run libraries (e.g., Spanish Civil War anarchist ateneos).
• Community Models: Jamie points to historic U.S. examples (workers' circles, union libraries), as well as syndicalist models where workers and patrons co-govern libraries. She stresses these are possibilities—depending on “how far down the revolution you go.”

5. How Soon Will Cuts Hurt? Who Will Suffer Most?

[26:53–28:44]

• Imminent Impacts: Jamie says timelines are uncertain, but major shortfalls could show up as soon as the next summer reading season.
• Who’s Hit First: Rural and red-state libraries, and especially children relying on summer programming, may be first to feel the effects.
  • Quote – Jamie: “Out in red states and rural areas, it’s going to be very much like the ‘I never thought the leopards were going to eat my face’ kind of situation.” [27:38]

6. Tangible Actions for Supporters and Library Workers

[28:44–34:24]

• What Can (and Can’t) Be Done: Jamie is candid that, given current power dynamics, traditional advocacy may have limited effect—but action is still necessary.
  • Call your representatives and senators persistently.
  • Sign library organization petitions (ALA and others).
  • Most Impactful Step: Get and use your library card—usage statistics help libraries argue for more funding.
    • Quote – Jamie: “Just check the book out, keep it for a week and give it back... make those numbers go up.” [30:17]
  • Participate online: Many library resources and events are available digitally, but Jamie notes greater privacy risks with third-party e-services.
  • If You’re a Worker: Organize! Unionizing gives workers more power to resist and adapt.
    • Notable Recommendation: “My favorite is Library Freedom Project... and if your workplace is not unionized, start working on that.” [32:33]
  • Leverage state library organizations and collaborate regionally for resource sharing or joint programming.

7. Preserving the Value Narrative & Community Engagement

[34:55–36:17]

• Combat narratives that frame libraries as “money holes.”
• Attend library board meetings to voice community value.
  • Quote – Jamie: “When you hear that narrative… offer a different one.” [35:10]
• Use library websites or call to find information about local governance meetings.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jamie, on the scale of funding under threat:
  “It comes out to about 75¢ per person in the country. So... we’re not going to be saving on our taxes if this goes away. But that money makes a really big difference.” [06:38]

• Jamie, on neoliberal attacks:
  “We have a neoliberal problem. The idea that everything should be run by a business and everything is... subject to market logics, that would say, well... libraries have no value because we're only measuring can this make the balance sheet, can this make number go up?” [16:40]

• James, on policing vs. libraries:
  “In San Diego... we have a large unhoused population. I’m always helping my neighbors go to the library... so they can access Internet services, apply for benefits ...and not get harassed by the cops just for existing.” [10:57–11:28]

• Jamie, on library use as activism:
  “Check the book out, keep it for a week and give it back. If you don’t have time to read it, make those numbers go up.” [30:17]

• Jamie, on organizing:
  “If your workplace is not unionized, start working on that. That will always give you more power.” [32:33]

Important Timestamps

• [03:19] – Intro to IMLS and why its funding is at risk
• [08:36] – Libraries as America’s safety net
• [16:40] – The roots of anti-library funding logic (neoliberalism explained)
• [20:39] – Alternative models for libraries outside the state
• [27:07] – How fast will cuts have an impact? (kids, rural, and red states hit first)
• [30:17] – Action item: Use your library, boost their stats
• [32:33] – Library workers: unionize and connect for resilience
• [35:10] – The urgent need to push back against “moneyhole” framing of libraries

Final Takeaways

The episode paints a stark picture of the threat to libraries from both top-down federal moves and a decades-long ideological shift favoring profit over public good. Listeners are encouraged to support libraries not just by political advocacy, but through active usage and local organizing, insisting on the irreplaceable community and social benefits libraries provide. Detoxifying public perception and rebuilding narratives of value—beyond the dollar—is presented as a crucial project in resisting the collapse of these essential public institutions.

To Help:

• Get (or use) your library card
• Attend library board meetings
• Call your legislators regularly
• Support radical library organizations and union drives
• Amplify alternative narratives that center community value over profit