After all of the advocacy work I’ve done for the library, I was hopeful that I was done. However, with the shutdown of the Institute of Library and Museum Services (ILMS), I am far from it. A lot of South Dakotans (myself included) made numerous calls to our SD legislators in hopes of restoring the library budget. We were able to come to a compromise and fund the library enough as a state to qualify for the federal ILMS grant.
It honestly feels like such a huge blow. I love my library so much. The resources it offers are vast and so helpful. In these trying times I’m able to go to the library without the expectation of having to pay for anything.
The loss of the ILMS grant means that South Dakota will no longer be able to continue the interlibrary loan system. The ILL facilitates the free delivery of books, movies, articles, etc., to patrons across state lines. Well, not anymore.
Despite nearly drowning in schoolwork as I race to graduate, I am still trying to get the word out. I made a slapdash Instagram post in Canva. But it’s still something. I guess I will be making calls to my state legislators this week. I’m really trying not to be discouraged.
In times like these, I try to remember that speaking up and gathering community is so important. We cannot remain complacent and must fight for what we love each and every day.
Anyways, go visit your library and soak up some sunshine yall.
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