LEWES, Del. - Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride visited the Lewes Public Library Friday to spotlight what she called the Trump Administration’s “illegal” efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The visit followed a controversial executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on March 14 aimed at reducing the federal workforce. The order has placed all staff on administrative leave and halting nearly $300 million in federal funding. Delaware alone receives more than $5 million annually through IMLS grants, funds that support 33 public libraries statewide, said McBride.
“Every day this administration rips funding away from our state, it’s not abstract—it’s personal. Delawareans are losing access to free internet, books, and educational resources because President Trump decided to defy the law,” said Rep. McBride.
Libraries across Delaware, including the Lewes Public Library, use IMLS to offer services such as free Wi-Fi, passport renewals, research tools, educational programming and job application assistance.