Trump’s Tariffs Are Now Screwing Up America’s Libraries

In an unexpected impact of President Trump's tariff policies, American libraries are now facing significant challenges. The tariffs, initially aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, have led to a surge in the prices of library books and other materials. The article highlights how the tariffs on Chinese imports, including paper and other raw materials used in book production, have resulted in higher costs for libraries across the country. This financial burden is forcing libraries to make difficult decisions, such as reducing their book acquisitions, limiting access to digital resources, and even cutting back on operational hours. The issue has become a concern for both public and academic libraries, which play a crucial role in providing educational resources and promoting literacy. The article emphasizes the detrimental effects these tariffs have had on libraries' ability to fulfill their core mission and serve their communities effectively.