Tribal libraries are more than places to borrow books — they are cultural anchors, language preservation centers, and trusted educational spaces in Indigenous communities across the country.

Now, they’re under threat.

Due to proposed federal budget cuts, tribal communities across the U.S. risk losing their local libraries — institutions that provide access to the internet, vital educational programming, language preservation efforts, and historical archives.

These cuts disproportionately impact tribal communities that already face systemic barriers to educational and digital access. In some areas, these libraries are the only public learning resource available.

If Congress allows this funding to disappear, the consequences will be immediate and irreversible.

We call on the U.S. Congress and the Department of Education to fully protect and restore federal funding for tribal libraries.

Ensure the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has the resources it needs to serve Native communities.

Don't let centuries of Native knowledge and history be boxed up and lost because of budget cuts.