By: Bo Tefu
Two days before National Library Week began April 7, California announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the abrupt termination of millions in federal grants supporting critical state library programs.
When Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit on April 4, they made the case that the administration unlawfully moved to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — the federal agency responsible for administering these funds.
The lawsuit contends that Trump’s Executive Order No. 14238 is part of a broader illegal effort to dismantle several agencies established by Congress, including IMLS. The cuts threaten over $15 million in annual federal funding to California libraries, which supports vital services such as literacy and language tutoring, summer reading programs, the Career Online High School initiative, and accessible formats for visually impaired readers.
“Libraries are more than just buildings with books. They are community anchors,” said Newsom. “This is an attack on community learning and opportunity, and we’re fighting back.”
Bonta emphasized the role libraries play in civic engagement and digital access, especially for underserved populations. “These are hubs of learning and connection. We will not stand by while essential public services are stripped away.”
The suit is backed by attorneys general from 20 other states.
California’s State Library system — comprising more than 1,100 libraries — relies on IMLS funding for a range of services from broadband access to disaster preparedness and teen programs. Officials warn that without these funds, many positions and programs could be lost.
This library lawsuit marks California’s 12th legal challenge against the Trump administration.
