Posted January 13, 2006.

Appropriations Act Boosts IMLS Funding by 2.7%

On December 30, President Bush signed into law the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Act, which includes $247.1 million for Institute of Museum and Library Services programs and administration—a 2.7% increase over FY 2005.

The bill provides $210.6 million for library programs through the Library Services and Technology Act, which marks an increase of $4.6 million, or 2.3%, over last year. LSTA was one of the few programs to receive an increase, the American Library Association’s Washington Office noted.

LSTA distribution includes $163.7 million for state grants, $3.6 million for the Native American Library Services program, $12.3 million for the National Leadership Grants for Libraries, $23.7 for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Initiative, and $7 million for IMLS administrative costs.

In addition, the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program was level-funded at $19.5 million.

Posted January 13, 2006.