“FY18 federal library funding has not been saved yet and hurdles can arise at each stage of the appropriations process,” PW’s Andrew Albanese tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally.

Andrew AlbanesePublishers and bookstore owners cheered good news from several corners this week. Public libraries provide a strong foundation for publishers’ sales and a recent Congressional committee vote has raised hopes that federal budget dollars will continue to flow in that direction despite White House efforts to eliminate any library support.

According to Andrew AlbanesePublishers Weekly senior writer, the House Appropriations committee is looking at level funding for libraries in FY2018, which would mean roughly $231 million for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), $183 million for the Library Services and Technology Act, and $27 million for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program.

“FY18 federal library funding has not been saved yet and hurdles can arise at each stage of the appropriations process,” Albanese tells CCC’s Chris Kenneally. “It is worth noting that the House Budget Committee has put forth a budget resolution that is every bit as — if not more – drastic than Trump’s budget proposal. There is much work to be done before the Federal government’s fiscal years ends in September.”

Every Friday, CCC’s “Beyond the Book” speaks with the editors and reporters of “Publishers Weekly” for an early look at the news that publishers, editors, authors, agents and librarians will be talking about when they return to work on Monday.

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