The Illinois statewide library delivery program faces possible challenges due to Executive Order 14238 that seeks to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Since the executive order was issued, many grants and contracts have been terminated and agency employees have been placed on administrative leave.

On April 28 the Chicago Tribune published an article about the reduction/elimination of federal funding for libraries.  

Mount Prospect Public Library is one of more than 1,200 libraries in Illinois that participate in interlibrary loan through the statewide delivery service administered by our regional library system (RAILS). This service transports materials between libraries across the state, which provides cost savings through resource sharing. According to the Chicago Tribune article, RAILS receives about one-third of its budget through IMLS funding. 

Since MPPL joined a shared catalog consortium (CCS) in October 2024, Mount Prospect residents receive approximately 2,400 items per month through the statewide delivery service. 

For those interested in learning more, organizations such as the  American Library Association (ALA) and RAILS are actively supporting libraries and museums nationwide and offer relevant information and resources.