The fight for funding: What’s next for Connecticut’s libraries and museums?

By Chloe Wynne,

Published May 19, 2025 at 7:15 AM EDT

FILE: Meghana Pai reads a book to her 2-year-old son Naman Nayak at the reopening of the Hartford Public Library’s downtown branch. She said they live nearby and have been waiting a long time to be able to access the library. “It’s especially helpful for the winter time,” she said. “To learn new skills, make friends, get the stepping stones for learning.”

President Trump recently attempted to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency that distributes federal funds to libraries and museums across the country.

Connecticut was one of just three states to lose its federal grant for public libraries, totaling over $2 million.

A judge blocked the move last week, but big questions remain.

This hour, we ask: What does this mean for our local libraries and museums? Is future funding safe? And what role do these institutions play in our communities today?

GUESTS:

Lisa Hagen: Federal Policy Reporter, Connecticut Public and Connecticut Mirror
Deborah Schander: State Librarian, Connecticut State Library
Scott Jarzombek: President of the Connecticut Library Association
Joshua Carter: Executive Director, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center

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