April 4, 2025. Read on the City of Springfield site.
Springfield, MA – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined with Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty and 24 other mayors and municipal leaders from across the State to fight for our local libraries. Mayor Sarno and his fellow mayors wrote to the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to share their concerns over an executive order signed on March 14, 2025 that would target federal funding to libraries and museums through the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS is the single largest source of federal funding for libraries.
In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) received $3.6 million from IMLS’ grants to State programs, including statewide research databases, summer reading and Statewide eBooks programs, just to name a few. Cuts to IMLS would adversely impact the MBLC and could potentially impact these services and programs offered to our residents by our Springfield City Library.
Mayor Sarno states, “Today, I join with Mayor Joseph Petty of Worcester and my fellow mayors and municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to fight for our local Library systems and our residents, especially our children. Together, we are asking our Congressional delegation to protect our local libraries. I am very proud of our Springfield City Library, led by Director Molly Fogarty. Director Fogarty and her dedicated team does such a tremendous job providing a vast array of programs and reading opportunities for our students, children, seniors and adults. On average, nearly 62,000 eBooks are accessed every year through our Springfield City Library. I am also proud of the fact that Springfield is one of the few communities that maintains local neighborhood libraries too.”
“Our library branches do so much more than just provide reading books,” Mayor Sarno continued. “They are a place where individuals of all ages can go and enjoy the programs that are available. Neighborhood library branches are an essential component of our community. They not only provide much-needed library services and reading materials for residents and kids, but they also serve as a gathering and meeting space for our community’s different programs and initiatives. A place where our residents and their families can gather to meet, and where our children can learn and play. Our Libraries enhance the quality of life in our community and are a source of great pride. My administration will continue to work with all of our local, state and federal partners to preserve this community treasure and the vital programs and resources they offer.”