Protestors gathered at the Waldoboro Public Library April 10 to show support for local libraries amidst recent federal government funding cutbacks.

“We love our libraries; we hate our government,” said one protestor, who did not wish to be identified.

One attendee carried a sign reading “Gut Fish, Not Libraries!”

Other signs pleaded, "Save our libraries" and "No cuts for our library." Attendees indicated they participated in the event due to drastic cuts to the Maine State Library announced the previous day. 

On April 9 the Maine State Library announced it laid off 13 staff members, who had comprised nearly 1/3 of the entire staff, and would close for two weeks to restructure its operations, according to the Portland Press-Herald. 

The 13 positions were supported by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for the elimination of the agency. On March 31, the entire IMLS staff was placed on a 90-day paid administrative leave in advance of termination. 

State Librarian Lori Fisher said IMLS funding made up nearly 30% of the State Library’s annual budget. No funds have been received since March 24 with no further updates about when or if payments will resume. 

Waldoboro Library Director Catherine Skov said people do not want services taken away as it affects their quality of life.

Libraries provide programs on which patrons rely, such as free internet, the CloudLibrary, interlibrary loans, the talking book program for visual impaired readers, training programs through DigitalME, and more, Skov said.

Skov carried a sign reading, “Save our Libraries!” with a list of those threatened services. 

Skov said libraries are already feeling affects of the IMLS cuts. One of the eliminated positions was the head of the popular InterLibrary Loan program, helped procure hard-to-find or out of state books for local patrons. 

“That’s over, done,” said Skov.