Our children deserve free access to books and resources that ignite their curiosity and foster learning. As a parent in Unalakleet, Alaska, I am dedicated to encouraging my children to read daily, relying heavily on online resources like Libby and Hoopla provided by our Juneau Public Library Extension services. These resources are crucial to our community, where alternative access to educational materials can be limited.

President Trump's Executive Order #14238 has led to challenges for these vital services. This order, focusing on 'Continuing the Reduction of Federal Bureaucracy,' placed the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) staff on administrative leave and froze needed funding. Consequently, the accessibility of this program to rural areas like ours across Alaska has been jeopardized.

The educational foundation provided by these services is irreplaceable. Many families in our community depend on the library's digital access for the learning development of their children. Over recent years, significant cuts to library services have already put a strain on those who depend on them. The freezing of federal funds could devastate the access we still have left.

We call upon the federal government to recognize the essential role libraries play in our lives and the crucial support they offer to families in remote areas. By restoring federal funding to the Juneau Public Library Extension services, we can ensure continuous access to invaluable educational resources for our children.

Supporting this petition means advocating for our children's future and their unrestrained access to learning tools. Please join us in urging the government to allocate the appropriate resources that empower our children and strengthen the entire community.

Sign this petition to restore critical funding to ensure our Juneau Public Library Extension services continue to serve Unalakleet and other Alaskan communities effectively.