In early 2025, U.S. libraries faced a major funding scare. The proposed dismantling of the IMLS, a key federal agency supporting libraries and museums, sparked nationwide concern.

The crisis became a wake-up call—proving the value libraries bring to their communities, showing how public advocacy can counter political shifts, and highlighting why funding diversification is essential, especially for small and rural libraries. This article explains what happened and how BookScouter can help libraries build alternative revenue sources.