Rep. McBride Visits Lewes Public Library, Condemns Trump Administration’s Illegal Dismantling of Federal Library Funding

Lewes, DE - Today, Delaware's Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-Del.) visited the Lewes Public Library to highlight the devastating impact of the Trump Administration's illegal move to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services(IMLS), the independent agency responsible for supporting libraries and museums across the country.

The visit comes just weeks after an executive order issued by President Trump on March 14th directed the so-called "reduction of the federal bureaucracy," resulting in IMLS placing its entire staff on administrative leave-effectively shutting down the agency's operations and halting the distribution of nearly $300 million in congressionally appropriated funds. The state of Delaware receives over $5 million annually from the IMLS which is then distributed to the states' libraries.

"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."These are funds passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump himself. The administration's actions are not just reckless-they're illegal."

Delaware is home to 33 public libraries, each one a critical hub where residents can renew passports, access the internet, apply for benefits, conduct research, and borrow books. IMLS grants enable these libraries to serve every Delawarean-from rural families and working parents to veterans, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

In a letterled by Senator Chris Coons on April 1, 2025 to Acting Director Keith Sonderling, Rep. McBride joined Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (all D-Del.) in reminding the Trump Administration that IMLS was created by statute and funded by Congress for the express purpose of meeting the "essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs" of Americans. The law requires IMLS to operate both a Museum Services Office and a Library Services Office, which provide support across all 50 states.

"The Trump administration is illegally ripping funding from Delawareans every day-and this time it's our libraries that are being targeted," McBride continued. "From withholding money to our farmers, to denying nearly one million meals to Delawareans, to tanking our economy, the administration is doing everything except lowering costs for working families. I won't stop fighting until the resources our communities are owed are fully restored."

During her visit, Rep. McBride met with librarians, staff, and community members who rely on library services in Sussex County. The Lewes Public Library is one of many local institutions supported by IMLS funding and serves as a lifeline for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Photos from the Congresswoman's visit available for use and download here.

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