The U.S. State Department has ordered some nonprofit public libraries across the nation to stop processing passport applications, a service many communities have relied on for years. The agency began issuing cease and desist orders in late fall, stating that these libraries were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of Friday.
Disruptions to Passport Services
Cathleen Special, executive director of the Otis Library in Norwich, Connecticut, stated that her library received the order in November after offering passport services for 18 years. She noted that community members “still get calls daily seeking that service” and “were so used to us offering this.” In Joyce’s district in Pennsylvania, the Marysville-Rye Library is one of only two facilities serving a 556-square-mile county.
According to a State Department spokesperson, the decision stems from federal law and regulations that “clearly prohibit non-governmental organizations” from collecting and retaining fees for passport applications. Libraries run by the government are not affected by this order.
The American Library Association estimates that approximately 1,400 nonprofit public libraries, representing 15% of all public libraries nationwide, could be affected. But, the State Department maintains that the number of ineligible libraries represents less than one percent of its over 7,500 passport acceptance facilities.
Congressional Response
Members of Congress from both parties are challenging the State Department’s decision. Lawmakers from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting an extension of the program while Congress seeks a permanent solution. They highlighted that libraries are “among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents.”
The lawmakers’ letter also pointed to increasing demand for passports due to Real ID requirements and potential new voting rules that may require citizens to present identification. They also predicted that some libraries, which rely on passport processing fees, may be forced to reduce staff or close if they cannot continue offering the service.
Representatives Madeleine Dean and John Joyce have proposed bipartisan legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing 501(c)(3) nonprofit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities. A similar bill is also pending in the Senate.
The State Department stated that 99% of the U.S. Population lives within 20 miles of a designated passport processing location, and that they will “work to identify new eligible program partners” if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the State Department’s decision?
The State Department said the order was given because federal law and regulations “clearly prohibit non-governmental organizations” from collecting and retaining fees for a passport application.
How many libraries are affected?
The American Library Association estimates about 1,400 mostly non-profit public libraries nationwide could potentially be affected, or about 15% of all public libraries. The State Department states that the number of ineligible libraries makes up less than one percent of its total network.
What is being done to address the issue?
Democratic and Republican members of Congress are urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to extend the existing program, and Representatives Madeleine Dean and John Joyce have proposed legislation to allow nonprofit libraries to continue processing passports.
As libraries navigate these changes, will Congress and the State Department locate a solution that balances legal requirements with the needs of communities that rely on these services?
