updates

updates and more information

December 3, 2025: 

ALA welcomes reinstatement of all federal IMLS grants to libraries.


November 21, 2025:  

In late November, a federal court in Rhode Island struck down the Trump Administration’s attempt to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), siding with a lawsuit filed by 21 state attorneys general. The court found the administration’s actions—including halting grants, dismissing the IMLS board, and attempting mass layoffs—arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to federal law. The decision immediately restores IMLS operations and permanently prohibits future efforts to eliminate the agency.

November, 2025:

The Board of Library Trustees has begun its Executive Search with Deiters & Todd Consulting. To find more updates, follow along on the Board Information page. 

July 25, 2025:

Marti Sladek has resigned from the Library Board of Trustees. The library looks forward to working with the next Trustee appointed by the Village Council.

July 23, 2025:  Award Winning Staff!

The Downers Grove Public Library is proud to announce Julie Milavec, Director, has been awarded and recognized as the 2025 Librarian of the Year by the Illinois Library Association Awards! This prestigious award celebrates Milavec's lifelong commitment to the profession, her many professional accomplishments, and her dedication to libraries and the communities they serve.

The library is also proud of Jade Parks, who was recognized by the ILA Awards as the Young Adult Library Professional of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding service to young adults by creating and implementing library programs and services that identify and meet needs in their community.

Julie Milavec Press Release

Jade Parks Press Release

April 3, 2025:

On March 14, 2025 an Executive Order was issued by President Trump to defund and eliminate to the fullest extent of the law the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This week, on Monday, March 31, nearly all IMLS staff were placed on administrative leave, and as a result, all processing of grants was suspended.

IMLS is the largest source of federal funding for libraries, delivering essential financial support, investigative research, and strategic policy guidance to enhance the work of libraries in the United States. The potential impact of this Executive Order is vast; millions of Americans rely on public, school, academic, and special libraries.

At this time, it is unclear what the impact to the Downers Grove Public Library and its services will be. The library will most likely not be directly impacted because the library’s budget is primarily funded by property taxes, as are most public libraries throughout Illinois; however, the library may be indirectly and severely impacted by these changes. Some of the library’s core services, such as the library’s catalog and interlibrary loan, rely on funding distributed through Reaching Across Illinois Libraries System (RAILS) via the Illinois State Library, and thus, potentially IMLS. Until more information is made available, the library is unable to identify how this executive order will impact DGPL or its service providers. The Executive Order may be stopped or limited depending on decisions made by the courts or Congress. Additionally, the Presidency could rescind or modify the Executive Order. 

To help patrons understand the potential impacts on the library and organizations that it relies on for services, we have gathered statements and information:

Wondering what comes next? Find ALA's Show Up For Our Libraries guide shares what you can do with 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or more.

 

March 25, 2025:

The Board of Library Trustees has passed a resolution appointing two trustees as members of the Village's Ad Hoc Committee. 

frequently asked questions