National Library Week looked a little different this year. On April 10, protestors gathered outside Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML) to oppose federal funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). A gathering was also held at Southport Memorial Library.  

This comes after an executive order from the Trump Administration called for the elimination of “non-statutory components” of seven small federal agencies, including the IMLS. It is unclear what functions are considered non-statutory. So far, the organization has laid off its 70-person staff and informed state library agencies their grants have been eliminated,according to the New York Times. 

“The government needs some cleaning up. Nobody's disputing that at all ... but it's (taking) a chainsaw and just hacking away arbitrarily, that's not OK,” said attendee Mary Hanley.  

Fellow protestor Sarah Hoffman said more efficient federal spending would include cutting President Trump’s golf trips (which have cost taxpayers $18 million this year, according to the Huffpost.) She also pointed to proposed tax cuts that will add about $5 trillion to the 10-year deficit.  

“This budget is to cut services (the administration) deem unnecessary and to give a tax break to the wealthiest Americans. We feel that's not fair, not right, and it's not morally proper.” 

The IMLS has an annual budget of about $290 million, and provides funding to libraries, museums and archives in every state. BHML relies on IMLS funding for its free public internet access, statewide inter-library loan system, ebook catalog and Maine Digital Library, according to Executive Director Joanna Breen.  

The loss of interlibrary loan was one of the sticking points for Rita Arnold and her granddaughters June, 4, and Faye, 7. Arnold said both girls are avid library fans, and asked to participate in the protest. Each made contributions with June decorating the border of Arnold’s poster, and Faye coming straight from school to join the crowd.  

The cuts have started to take effect elsewhere in the state with the Maine State Library Augusta laying off 13 employees. 

“Those are real people. So, as individuals, they're suffering, and the services they provide are suffering,” said Leanne Pander. 

On April 8, the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees sued the administration over the cuts. They argue the move was unconstitutional as only Congress has the power to dismantle the agency.

“(Libraries are) the heart of our community, and for decades, it hasn't been a partisan issue. These fundings are needed,” said Pander.