Library Funding Challenges

Hear how federal funding cuts can affect local libraries in myriad ways. Chloe Whittaker, director of the Waterford Public Library, explains how an executive action pulled support from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including putting 60% of the staff on leave, and how that loss of both funding and staffing funnels down to the state and local levels. While New York (so far) has not had the retroactive cancelling of contracts as was done in many other states, the changes still reduce services. She discusses the connection between the New York State Library, the regional library systems (including the Upper Hudson and the Southern Adirondacks), and local libraries. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the impact on training for librarians and trustees,, oversight, construction approvals, and so much more. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.