News
Statement on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the Glen Rock public Library Board of Trustees
April 21, 2025
On March 14, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency responsible for distributing congressionally appropriated funds to state libraries and providing essential funding to ensure access to information, lifelong learning, and community engagement. The Glen Rock Public Library Board of Trustees strongly opposes this decision and stands in unwavering support of libraries across New Jersey and the nation.
Over 350 public libraries in New Jersey, including Glen Rock, benefit from the New Jersey State Library’s IMLS-funded programs and resources. This funding assists New Jersey libraries in providing residents with access to:
Research databases
E-books
Career development tools
K-12 educational resources
The Talking Book and Braille Center
State of New Jersey elibrary Catalog (JerseyCat)
Technology training
Improved broadband access
and more
The loss of IMLS funds will impact the Glen Rock Public Library, but even more so, it will hurt the rural and underserved communities across the country that rely on these funds to provide much-needed services. The Glen Rock Public Library Board of Trustees reaffirms that libraries and access to free information are a cornerstone of our democracy, and we urge lawmakers and the public to advocate for continued IMLS funding to ensure libraries remain strong, accessible, and innovative for all Americans.
On April 8, 2025 the NJ Attorney General’s Office Joins Multistate Lawsuit to Stop the Dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
On April 10, 2025, the Glen Rock Library Board of Trustees approved Resolution #2025-07 IN SUPPORT OF RETAINING FUNDING FOR THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES (IMLS).
Please urge your members of Congress to protect federal funding for libraries. Phone calls only take a few minutes and send a strong message to elected officials that their constituents care enough to take time out of their day to make their voices heard. To find your elected officials and their contact information, please see ALA’s Show Up for Our Libraries initiative.
Other resources:
FAQ: Executive Order Targeting IMLS (ALA)
2025 IMLS Appropriations Request
-The Glen Rock Library Board of Trustees
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The Glen Rock Public Library is excited to join over 30 libraries in Bergen County and hundreds more across the country in ending overdue fines on locally-owned books and media. This new policy, which goes into effect on April 1, 2025, aligns with the Board of Trustees’ strategic priority to remove barriers to library services.
“Even small fines can discourage people from using the library, whether because of an inability to pay, frustration, or embarrassment,” said Board President Rachel Feinmark. “Eliminating fines ensures that the Glen Rock Public Library is truly free, and makes it possible for all community members to confidently enjoy everything the Library has to offer.”
Fine-free policies, recommended as a best practice by the American Library Association, have been shown to increase library card registrations and the number of materials borrowed, as well as contribute to positive relationships between patrons and staff.
“Research shows that fines don’t do what we want them to - they don’t ensure that materials are returned on time,” said Library Director Kristen Comeaux. “In fact, fines make some patrons hesitant to check out books, especially seniors and children, who are most likely to face overdue charges. Ultimately, fines don’t serve the mission of our library: free and equal access for all.”
Here are some things to keep in mind as this new policy goes into effect:
Due dates will still be issued and reminders sent.
Patrons are encouraged to be good library citizens and return their materials in a timely manner.
Overdue charges will continue to accrue for items in the Library of Things, Museum Passes, and for lost or damaged items.
Patrons may lose borrowing privileges for long overdue items
Overdue charges for books checked out from other libraries in the BCCLS consortium will follow the lending library’s fine policies.
Please also note that the fine-free policy does not apply retroactively to fines already accrued.
For more information on the fine-free policy click here.
