We represent the Suffolk County Library Association (SCLA), a professional organization representing library workers across Suffolk County. We are committed to supporting, educating, and advocating for the libraries and communities we serve. It is with that commitment in mind that we reach out—libraries across Long Island are facing a tough reality, our federal funding has been eliminated. This elimination will result in libraries scrambling to meet the needs of our diverse communities and that will directly affect all our towns, villages, and hamlets.

We recently received the devastating news that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States Program has been cancelled. This decision withdraws 85 percent of the federally appropriated aid to the New York State Library and Division of Library Development (DLD). This aid, which was legally established by Congress, helps fund critical operations, programs, and services in every Suffolk County library.

Let’s be clear: this is not just a line item in a federal budget. This is about the quality of life in our towns and villages. We remind everyone that libraries are not luxuries—they are lifelines. They provide vital resources to job seekers, students, seniors, new Americans, parents, and anyone who walks through their doors in search of knowledge, support, or connection.

The loss of this funding will have far-reaching consequences, from the elimination of essential digital resources and staff training to a reduction in services we’ve long relied on.

We urge our neighbors to raise their voices and remind elected officials that libraries matter, and so do the people who use them. Contact your congressional representatives and ask them to reverse this decision:

Andrew Garbarino

• 31 Oak Street Suite 20, Patchogue, NY 11772
• Phone: (631) 541-4225 https://garbarino.house.gov/contact

Nicholas LaLota

• 515 Hauppauge Road Suite 3B Hauppauge, NY 11788
• Phone: (631) 289-1097 https://lalota.house.gov/contact

Your voice and vote matters. Let’s make sure our representatives hear from a united and passionate community that values the rule of law, access to information, education, and opportunity.

Thank you for your time and attention,

The Suffolk County Library Association