Shelf Life: Federal funding cuts impact local library digital access to the New York Times

THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM and Library Services (IMLS) is the only federal agency exclusively dedicated to supporting and funding libraries across the United States. Each year, IMLS distributes funds to all 50 state libraries, helping ensure public access to valuable resources and services. In 2024, California received the largest share of this funding — nearly $16 million — through the IMLS Grants to States program.

Since 2019, the California State Library has used a portion of this funding to provide every public library in the state with a digital subscription to the New York Times. Over the last six years, the Times Digital has become one of the most popular online resources among Contra Costa County Library cardholders, with usage growing steadily.

However, as of July 1, 2025, a Presidential Executive Order has cut IMLS funding to states. This reduction directly affects the California State Library and the many public libraries it supports — including the Contra Costa County Library. Without this federal support, the State Library can no longer cover the cost of the New York Times subscription.

To preserve access, Califa — a nonprofit library consortium — stepped in to negotiate discounted rates on behalf of 36 library systems statewide. Thanks to their efforts, the Contra Costa County Library is able to continue offering the New York Times, but it costs $36,598 per year.