Recent federal policy changes, including the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and shifts in education and immigration enforcement, have raised concerns about trickle-down effects on local institutions. Interviews with library directors, school administrators, and law enforcement reveal varying degrees of impact—from immediate cuts to library services to a “wait-and-see” approach in education and policing.  

Libraries: Statewide Services Hit Hardest

Federal funding for libraries, channeled through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), is at risk following the dissolution of the IMLS. The MBLC had received $3.6 million in federal grants supporting statewide services, including digital resources, interlibrary loans, and accessibility programs.  

“Federal funds support statewide services that save money. They fund the virtual catalog that gives everyone the ability to borrow materials from libraries throughout the Commonwealth,” said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot. “They support research databases. Over 60% of database usage comes from schools. Close to two million eBooks were borrowed through a platform that is federally funded.” 

Wrentham’s Fiske Public Library and Norfolk Public Library rely minimally on federal funds for operations, but both directors—Kim Shipala and Sarah Ward—warned that rural libraries are likely to suffer more from these cuts.  

“Suburban libraries like ours will feel it most in services like Libby and interlibrary loans,” Shipala said. Ward added, “Rural libraries often depend on federal aid as part of their operating budgets—they’ll struggle more.”  

The MBLC has already slashed programs, including grants for accessibility training, continuing education, and services for the Department of Corrections, including a manga collection (manga is an artistic style often used in Japanese comics) serving correctional facilities.  

King Philip Schools: Steady for Now

Federal funding makes up about 10% of the King Philip Regional School District’s budget, primarily supporting low-income and special education students. Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet said recent federal policy shifts—such as the end of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and heightened immigration enforcement—have not yet altered local practices.  

“We learned from COVID not to react immediately,” Drolet said. “We wait for state guidance.”  

Last summer, advocacy secured additional state funding for newcomer students, with Norfolk receiving about $250,000 for facilities and KP gaining about $90,000 for an additional teacher. Drolet expects minimal disruption, as core federal education funding is Congressionally mandated.  

“If impacts emerge, we’ll alert the community,” he said. “So far, nothing has changed.”  

Wrentham Police: Grants for Gear, Not Operations

The Wrentham Police Department uses federal grants for equipment, not day-to-day operations. Chief Bill McGrath cited ballistic vests and traffic enforcement as past grant successes, though no applications have been submitted this year.  

Competitive federal programs, like the COPS Hiring Program, offer temporary salary support—but towns must cover costs after funding expires. McGrath has avoided hiring grants because sustaining those positions long-term is tough.  

On immigration enforcement, procedures remain unchanged. Names are automatically checked against ICE databases during stops, but McGrath emphasized that local criminal processes take precedence. Only after release could ICE intervene—if agents are present.  

Reflecting on policing trends for his 25+ year career, McGrath praised de-escalation training and mental health integration. “Policy swings like a pendulum, but good reforms stick,” he said. “For now, we follow the law—and the law hasn’t changed.”