As a retired town manager who devoted over 40 years to serving communities across Southern Maine, I’m writing with deep concern about the future of our libraries. Throughout my career in Sanford, Westbrook, Wells and Kittery, I’ve witnessed firsthand how libraries function as the cultural and information centers of our communities — places where people of all ages gather, learn and connect.

What makes these libraries so special isn’t just local taxpayer support, but the vital funding they receive through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). That’s why I was alarmed by President Trump’s March 14 executive order authorizing the elimination of IMLS “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” This isn’t just about cutting a budget line. Without this federal support, we stand to lose:

• The high-speed internet access that brought an estimated 23,000 visitors to my local Rice Public Library in Kittery last year.
• The interlibrary loan service that allowed Rice Library patrons to access 25,000 items beyond our shelves, connecting us to over 10 million resources statewide.
• Digital resources that enabled my neighbors to download 9,695 e-books and audiobooks last year.
• Crucial services for visually impaired Mainers who rely on free large-print and recorded books.
• Professional development for the dedicated librarians who serve our communities.
• Online databases, books by mail for rural and homebound residents and technological support that connects libraries across our state.

The federal funding that supports these services represents just 0.003% of the federal budget, yet it ensures that even our smallest communities can provide world-class library resources — resources we simply cannot afford to lose.

Jonathan Carter
Kittery Point