JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Potential funding cuts at the federal level continue to leave museums and libraries in a state of flux, as millions of dollars are at stake.

The Prendergast Library in Jamestown is part of the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library system, one of 23 across New York state that provide resources and guidance to its members.

"We don't tell them how to run their libraries. We don't tell them what they need to have there. We provide them services to do all the great work that they do," said Janice Dekoff, executive director of the Chautauqua Cattaraugus Library System.

What You Need To Know

  • IMLS library and museum funding could be on the federal chopping block

  • The funding cut would close the book on a number of key services and programs

  • The State Library Association opposes the potential cut

All of that work is now in jeopardy as the federal government looks to rescind an executive order that would strip the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, of millions in funding.

"That's really kind of chilling to me," said Dekoff.

The cut would close the book on a number of veterans programs and youth services, as well as employment assistance and infrastructure aide.

"If we were to see a cut of the magnitude that they're discussing, we would be seeing a significant cut in staffing, which would make it that much harder for them to supply those services and leave us much more on our own," said Dekoff.

"It is frustrating. It is maddening," said Max Prime, director of Government Affairs and Advocacy with the New York Library Association.

Prime says the state received more than $19 million last year that funded a number of grants that, if cut, would greatly reduce the number of workers, burden the local systems and impact the libraries they serve.

"These institutions are there to provide for the local community need and they do that honestly and they engage in that work very seriously," said Prime. "They don't take that responsibility lightly."

The association issued a statement calling the proposed cut a targeted attack and continues to advocate for more state funding.

"As a library community and a community of library supporters across the state, we need to be unified in our voice saying that we need funding. We need support for libraries," said Prime.

It's why he and Dekoff encourage lawmakers not to close the book on funding.

"Libraries are the backbone of communities in providing those vital services," said Dekoff. "They ensure people have access to information and access to technology that is not available anywhere else. And we often serve the most vulnerable populations in our nation."

The potential cut also threatens funding for exhibits to museums across the state.