| As we head into July, you may notice that several databases we used to provide access to have disappeared from our website. These databases were provided free to every library in Massachusetts with federal funding. Many of you are already aware that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was essentially dismantled through an Executive Order in March this year. The IMLS is the single largest source of critical funding for libraries and museums, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners uses what they receive each year to provide library services statewide. A significant amount is spent on providing free access to multiple databases to school, academic and public libraries. The state has worked very hard to shuffle funds in order to maintain library services, but they simply cannot make up for the loss of federal funds. So as of July 1, many of the databases provided by the state for free have been discontinued. The budget currently proposed for the next fiscal year eliminates the IMLS altogether, and there will almost certainly be more cuts to come. Advocacy is happening at the state and local levels to combat these losses. To find out more and keep abreast of new developments, check out the state website here.
Meanwhile, we’re here riding the summer waves, so be sure to join in the summer reading fun at the library in the next couple of months. We’ll keep it cool!
Happy reading!
-Cynthia | 
