For immediate release | November 20, 2025
ALA Sounds Alarm as White House Undermines Programs Supporting School and Academic Libraries
WASHINGTON, DC – This week the White House announced new steps toward dismantling the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Key programs that support school and academic libraries, such as Innovative Approaches to Literacy, will move to other federal agencies. The moves are the latest in a series of actions by the Trump Administration seeking to eliminate the programs and the Education Department.
ALA President Sam Helmick said, “American students and faculty served by school and academic libraries depend on the Education Department’s expertise and funding. At a time of declining reading scores, we need to invest in proven strategies that strengthen learning.
"ALA stands with school and academic libraries, their dedicated library workers and the talented staff of the Education Department. Together with our partners in education, ALA will work to protect students' and educators' rights to learn and teach as well as the modest federal support provided to school and academic libraries.”
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
Contact:
Shawnda Hines
Deputy Director, Communications
American Library Association
Public Policy & Advocacy Office
shines@alawash.org
