The Far Right’s Attempt to Weaponize Libraries
A look at how they're making them a tool for the state.
Introduction
Hopefully by now, we’re all aware of the increasing number of book bans taking place at public libraries and schools across the States. But emboldened by the ability to censor materials—as well as the ultimate goal to privatize education and access to information—the right has increased its attacks on these institutions, seeking to make them tools of the government.
We’ve written at length before about the importance of libraries, as well as how this administration is systematically enabling and championing their decline. Libraries represent so much that threatens our current government: inclusivity, accessibility, critical thinking, and the power of information. And we can’t overlook the role they play in day-to-day civic engagement.
Over the past few months, a number of actions from the government and judicial branch appear to indicate that the right’s attacks on libraries have escalated, going beyond parent-led censorship. And the ways in which they’re doing so—new legislation claiming libraries are tools for “government speech” and parameters around library grants that align with Trump’s Executive Orders—set the stage for turning the institution into a reflection of the State.
In this newsletter, we’re diving into how Trump’s administration is setting the groundwork to weaponize libraries for their own agenda, and how we can continue pushing back.
A Deeper Look
Last March, Trump issued Executive Order 14238, directing the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency dedicated to supporting museums and libraries. Mostly, these institutions receive funding at a local level. But for small and rural libraries, these grants are essential. And then, over the summer, it was unclear whether the agency would receive funding from Congress. After a lawsuit and a major campaign for individuals to contact their representatives, the Order was struck down in court and the agency received funding for 2026.
Before we take a closer look at the current state of the IMLS, it’s incredibly important to note that their grants are still essential for so many libraries, and that they are such a slim portion of the federal budget. (In 2025, .003% of the federal budget went toward library funding.) Without them, many small, specialized, and rural libraries would likely have to end certain services, if not shut down altogether. We must keep this in mind while also recognizing the harm that comes from the influence of the President over the IMLS.
Since the lawsuit’s outcome and vote for funding, the agency has been overhauled. Its new focus was made especially clear after their call for grant proposals in early February. In a cover letter accompanying the call, the IMLS references multiple Executive Orders—which are steeped in white nationalism. They noted that they “particularly welcome” projects that (emphasis our own):
“Foster in all generations a greater appreciation for our country’s great natural beauty, military victories and acts of heroism, religious history,” etc. in alignment with EO 14253 - “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History”
“Refocus cultural institutions on what unites us by fostering respectful civil dialogue. In doing so, we acknowledge our core Constitutional Rights, including Free Exercise of Religion,” in alignment with EOs 14188 - “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism” and EO 14202 - “Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias”
“Preserve America’s history…fittingly commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence,” in alignment with EO 14344 - “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again”
The letter also draws attention to Trump’s inaugural address, and notes that the IMLS looks forward to working with these institutions to “share our nation’s tremendous heritage with all our fellow citizens!”
These desired proposals cater towards developing the administration’s ideal citizen: white, Christian, white supremacists. “Citizen” is also a key word here—because right now, libraries are safe spaces for many, regardless of immigration status. Not only do they help provide pathways to citizenship, but community resources for everyone.
For institutions that are meant to preserve history, increase knowledge, and encourage civic engagement—all the better to guide our society’s progress—these stated areas of focus threaten to turn libraries into tools for government propaganda. And this goal becomes all the more clear when we look at this call for grants in tandem with court cases like Little v. Llano County and government bills like Florida’s House Bill 1069.
In Little v. Llano, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that when local officials remove books from libraries, the action is protected due to “government speech.” Now, this form of censorship isn’t a violation of the first amendment in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, where the Fifth Circuit covers. And because SCOTUS declined to hear the case, the verdict remains in place.
In Florida, House Bill 1069—an expansion on the state’s “Don’t Say Gay Bill”—was passed in 2023, increasing restrictions on pronoun usage, further enabling book banning, and censoring curriculum. Due to ongoing legal battles over the Bill, Florida officials are arguing that public school libraries are controlled by the government and therefore governed by government speech. Therefore, just like with Little v. Llano, book bans are not censorship. Authors Against Book Bans recently shared a great TL;DR that we encourage you to read and amplify, because this could have huge national consequences:
When we look at these recent updates, alongside the rise of book censorship and the recent outcome of Mahmoud v. Taylor in the Supreme Court—a ruling that didn’t force book bans itself, but will result in book bans—we can see a bigger picture: the right isn’t able to fully dismantle libraries, so why not alter them for their own gain? We’ve seen how governments throughout history have attempted to destroy other nations’ libraries. We’ve seen the photos of bombed universities and burning books. But less known is how the Third Reich took over libraries, filled them with propaganda, and implemented new policies to increase library use. Or how the first libraries in the U.S. were controlled by the elite, for the elite, meaning only available for wealthy, white men, and how the first public librarians—largely white women—enforced segregation. Or how the Israeli government prevents Palestinian libraries from acquiring certain research materials and technology due to “security reasons.”
Libraries are not and should not be considered a tool for government speech. Not only does this go against court rulings, but against the very heart of these institutions. If our government controls libraries and the information we’re able to access and consume, their reach extends, and our own knowledge suffers. And as these institutions become less accessible, whether that’s because they aren’t inclusive or able to offer free services that help a variety of individuals, so does our civic engagement.
Ways to Respond
As always, there are many actions we can take to help protect our libraries, whether that be using our library cards, donating, volunteering, or joining our board to help protect the freedom to read.
However, in the case of the far right’s attack at a legislative level, we must also be involved politically:
Follow EveryLibrary’s legislation tracker to see where bills are being put forward and how to take action. Information is power, and being able to stop these bills before they gain traction or pass is essential.
We can also donate to and amplify EveryLibrary’s work—an organization that empowers libraries and individuals in the fight against book bans, and advocates for libraries in elections.
Contact your local representatives about funding for your library and freedom to read bills. Make sure they know public libraries play an important role in your community, and that your vote is dependent on their investment in the institution.
Come election season, make sure you’re informed and vote for candidates and bills that protect libraries, librarians, and library workers.
Donate to and volunteer for grassroots organizations (such as local freedom to read groups) that are working tirelessly to combat censorship.
Final Musings
The news cycle these days is endless, and it’s easy to overlook one update because of other events taking place. But if there’s a common thread between them all, we know our government aims to radically modify or destroy any institution or legislation that threatens white supremacy and capitalism—and libraries do just that. And while we can’t say we’re surprised by any of these attacks, we know that doesn’t mean they won’t continue to escalate. Especially as readers, we all have a role to play when it comes to protecting libraries.
We’ll be back in a few weeks with more. In the meantime, make sure to check out our reading-themed prints for a cause, free downloads (wallpapers, templates, and more), and our exclusive downloads for newsletter subscribers (with password newsletterdownloads). If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch via email, the comments below, or Instagram DM.
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