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

The IMLS has announced cuts to federal funding, impacting California's public libraries, including the Contra Costa County Library, which can no longer afford its New York Times digital subscription. Since 2019, funding from IMLS had allowed the library to provide this valuable resource, which has seen consistent growth in usage among cardholders. To counteract these cuts, Califa successfully negotiated discounted rates for 36 library systems, allowing the Contra Costa County Library to continue offering the Times for $36,598 annually. The Library Foundation of Contra Costa contributes $4,000 toward this year's subscription, ensuring access to essential library services. This year's New York Times subscription includes additional content like NYT Cooking and The Athletic, enhancing the value for users.

The decision to cut funding stems from a Presidential Executive Order, significantly affecting public access to digital resources. County Librarian Alison McKee highlights the critical role of community support in sustaining library offerings. As federal funding diminishes, local libraries face increasing challenges in maintaining service levels.