Potential Federal Funding Cuts Raise Concerns for Stillwater Library Services

The Stillwater Public Library Board is monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact library services, particularly those supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). During their March 25 meeting, board members expressed concern about the future of programs like the Oklahoma Virtual Library Consortium, which serves 95 small and mid-sized libraries across the state.

Library Director Stacy DeLano explains that an Presidential executive order affecting IMLS could impact state block grants that fund several library initiatives.

"The executive order asked basically was directing them to strip down to their statutorily required functions. That includes providing services to the state libraries," DeLano said.

While funding appears secure through September 30, board members remain concerned about long-term implications.

"Until September 30th. So that doesn't comfort me that much," board member Dr. Martha McMillian notes during the discussion.

The Oklahoma Virtual Library funding represents a significant portion of the consortium's budget, with DeLano estimating "about 40 or 50% of our annual budget is the funds that come through us from the Oklahoma Department of Library by IMLS."

If funding is reduced, DeLano says the consortium would need to determine next steps collectively, potentially seeking additional funds from individual libraries or through grants and sponsors. The impact would be noticeable to patrons with longer wait times and reduced selection of digital offerings.

"We will have the Oklahoma Virtual Library. It's simply that lines will be much longer. We won't be able to get anything really but very, very, very in-demand items," DeLano explains. "Right now, the audiobooks are very expensive. So it'll be difficult for us to be able to keep purchasing the number that we've been purchasing. It will be less rich by half."

The potential cuts could affect approximately $150,000 in funding, creating uncertainty as the library prepares its budget for the next fiscal year.

Library responds to recent wildfires

The board also received an update on the library's response to recent wildfires that affected Stillwater and surrounding areas. DeLano and staff members created a resource webpage and provided reference services at donation pickup events.

"Emily, Elizabeth, and I attended three donation pickup events to provide where people were picking up materials, and we were providing reference services in terms of how to replace documents, where to get started, and who to go to and how to clean stuff," DeLano said.

The library is waiving damage fees for materials lost in the fires, in accordance with their circulation policy for natural disasters. Staff also provided books to families with children who lost home libraries in the fires.

Board member Sharon Edwards commended the library's response: "I think you guys went above and beyond. And I'm proud."

DeLano highlighted the resource page created by staff member Emily, which provides information in a linear format to help overwhelmed residents.

"It was nice to be able to help people," DeLano says, adding that the library is exploring additional ways to assist during emergencies.

The fires affected approximately 100 homes within Stillwater and 200 across Payne County.

A message from Visit Stillwater

Visit Stillwater has launched a dedicated Stillwater Strong, Relief landing page to centralize information and promote ongoing efforts supporting residents and first responders impacted by recent wildfires. This resource highlights upcoming fundraisers, benefit events, donation drives, and available services for those impacted by the wildfires.

Long range plan approved, summer reading program to relocate to community center

The board approved the library's 2025-28 Long Range Plan, which includes five major focus areas: Community Engagement and Outreach, Technology and Innovation, Space Utilization and Accessibility, Financial Sustainability and Staffing, and Collections and Resources.

DeLano explained that the plan was developed with input from department heads, the IT manager, and non-supervisory staff members to gain diverse perspectives.

The board also appointed a nominating committee consisting of Dr. McMillian, Donna Sinnes, and Sharon Edwards to present a slate of officers at the May meeting. The committee will nominate candidates for board chair and vice chair positions.

Additionally, DeLano updated the board on the ongoing fire suppression project, which faces delays due to design approval and procedural issues. The library has secured shelving from Oklahoma State University's Edmon Low Library for use in the temporary library location during construction.

Summer reading programs will be held at the community center rather than the library due to the construction timeline of the new fire suppression system.

The board also learned that the Stillwater Public Library Trust is working with an attorney to address irregularities in the trust document from 1984. The trust board has engaged Jerry Holmes with Nonprofit Solutions for legal representation to explore options for the trust's future structure.

The next library board meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025.