American Library Association disappointed by FCC program takebacks, lack of due process in decision to end E

Washington, D.C. (September 30, 2025) – The American Library Association (ALA) expressed disappointment with today’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) vote to end E-Rate support for library and school hotspot lending programs, which provided critical connectivity to millions of public library patrons who lack reliable internet access at home.

“We don’t yet know the full extent of what this vote means for libraries and schools and the communities we serve, but we do know that libraries were relying on sustainable E-Rate funding,” said Sam Helmick President of the American Library Association.

“ALA is both disappointed by the FCC’s takebacks and discouraged by the lack of due process, which left no opportunity for staff, patrons and library advocates to give input on the draft or