June 2025 eLibrarian – Federal Funding Update
E-blast: Federal Funding for CT Libraries at $0 for FY2026
The Connecticut State Library had its $2M+ federal funding restored for FY2025. HOWEVER, federal funding for libraries remains fully zeroed out in the proposed FY2026 federal budget. This funding supports statewide library services, programs, resource sharing and infrastructure.
How does this affect the Stonington Free Library?
SFL may lose $1,500 in federal funding discounts for our internet/WiFi costs, but more importantly, our patrons and staff rely on many free services that are provided by the Connecticut State Library, including:
- Statewide Delivery Service – If we don’t have a book, movie or audiobook you are looking for, we request it from another library and it is delivered to SFL through the statewide delivery service. We also receive deliveries of books for thirteen local book groups each month.
- Middletown Library Service Center – We borrow additional copies of books at no cost for programs like our recent 50 to Grow On reading challenge.
- State Library Digital Collection – We take part in the State Library’s collection of eBooks and audiobooks to supplement our own.
- Free professional development opportunities for staff
- Learn even more about the impact of federal funding cuts to Connecticut libraries here
How can you support the Stonington Free Library?
