Publishers 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 Albanese, Publishers 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.”