Well, here we are: the last Check Your Shelf post before the new year begins. I have no doubt that the fights for library access and funding will continue in 2026, but here’s where we stand at the end of 2025: some good news regarding IMLS grants, an annoying secondary problem caused by AI hallucinations, Illinois providing legal service training for certain libraries, and Franklin the Turtle being used as government propaganda. It’s been real, 2025. Let’s dive in.

IMLS Reinstates All Federal Grants

After the November injunction that halted the federal government’s dismantling of IMLS, IMLS has announced that it has reinstated all federal grants, and it’s encouraging awardees to apply for extension requests if needed. ALA has issued a statement: “’We are breathing a sigh of relief, but the fight is not finished. The administration can appeal court decisions. Congress can choose to not fund IMLS in future years. ALA calls on everyone who values libraries to remind their Congressmembers and elected officials at every level why America’s libraries deserve more, not fewer resources.'”

Another Reason AI Gives Librarians a Headache

Not surprisingly, librarians are seeing an increase in the number of research requests that feature article titles and citations that are entirely hallucinated by AI. But this comes with the additional problem of patrons not believing library staff when they say that a particular record doesn’t exist. You could write this off as something that happens when you work with the public, but it’s really another example of our society’s mistrust in library professionals and our growing reliance on ChatGPT.

Illinois Libraries Take On the Justice Gap

Illinois is rolling out a pilot library program to help patrons navigate legal resources, such as helping them log into remote proceedings, request translation services, and more. My first library job was a block away from the county courthouse, and I vividly remember the number of people who came to the reference desk looking for legal assistance that we weren’t able to provide. This is yet another responsibility being placed on libraries to fill a crucial social gap, but it’s definitely a service that’s needed. (Also, that’s my friend and former coworker Sara in the photo! Hi, Sara!)

Federal Government Uses Franklin the Turtle As Government Propaganda

Franklin the Turtle publisher rips Pete Hegseth over his “violent” use of the character in an internet meme. (I’ve basically copied the headline word for word because what the hell kind of a timeline are we living in right now?? You’ll have to click on the article to read more, because I have no words.)