Federal Library Funding Increases, but Below President Bush's Request

Posted December 3, 2004.

Federal Library Funding Increases, but Below President Bush’s Request

In an omnibus appropriations bill passed November 20, Congress boosted funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services to $207.8 million—$9.5 million more than FY 2004, but $12.7 million below President Bush’s request and $15.8 million less than the amount approved by the Senate.

Also included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2005 was $19.8 million for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program, the same as 2004 and $3 million below the Senate’s approved level. The omnibus bill also provides $31.9 million for the Office of the Superintendent of Documents, restores funding for two family-literacy programs that the president had proposed eliminating, and funds Innovative Education Program Strategies at $200 million.

ALA Washington Office Executive Director Emily Sheketoff said she was “pleased that Congress increased funding for library programs at IMLS in spite of the country’s difficult economic situation,” but expressed disappointment at the lack of an increase for Improving Literacy through School Libraries.

Posted December 3, 2004.