NORWICH, Conn. — The U.S. State Department has ordered a number of public libraries across the nation to cease processing passport applications, significantly affecting the communities that depend on these services. The cease and desist orders target mostly non-profit libraries, which have historically provided reliable passport services.
Cathleen Special, the executive director of the Otis Library in Norwich, Connecticut, shared that the library had offered passport services for 18 years but had to discontinue the service after receiving the State Department's letter in November. Our community was so used to us offering this, she remarked, noting the constant demand for passport processing in the area.
The State Department stated that the decision stems from federal regulations prohibiting non-governmental organizations from collecting and retaining passport application fees. While government-run libraries remain unaffected, over 1,400 non-profit libraries could be hindered by this policy, accounting for around 15% of public libraries nationwide.
Despite these government assertions, Democratic and Republican lawmakers from several states, including Connecticut and Pennsylvania, are pushing back, urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reconsider. In a letter, they highlighted the importance of public libraries in providing accessible passport services, particularly for working families and rural residents.
The lawmakers expressed concerns that those needing passports may face long travel distances to the next nearest service point, risking jobs or delaying travel plans. This becomes even more pressing as new identification regulations come into play, elevating the demand for passports.
As proposed solutions, some lawmakers suggest bipartisan legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing non-profit libraries to continue offering passport services. The future of these accessible passport acceptance facilities remains uncertain as communities await a resolution.
