With federal funding on the line Rep. Sarah McBride visits Lewes Public Library

LEWES, Del. – U.S. Representative Sarah McBride paid a visit to the Lewes Public Library, bringing a warning.

“It’s libraries, like this one here, in Lewes, that are under attack from the Trump Administration,” said Rep. McBride.

The Trump Administration has been threatening cuts to Institute of Museum and Library Services funding. That would halt $1.4 million from funneling into 33 different First State libraries, including in Lewes.

Rep. McBride said the President’s move would violate the Museum of Library Services Act.

“For the last several weeks, we’ve seen an effort to decimate the federal government, and to cut funding and programming that benefits Delawareans,” said Rep. McBride.

Library Director, Jill Dipaolo has been outspoken about the potential cuts.

“This is what the foundation of what a public library is about. We are founded on democracy,” said Dipaolo.

“We’re rural here, in Sussex County. Some people don’t have access to cultural experiences,” said Dipaolo. “We provide programming, we bring in artists, we bring in dance performances, we bring in lectures, we’re bringing in science series, we’re bringing in bestselling authors, and it’s all free.”

Rep. McBride said she will continue to fight for those vital resources.

“The last several months has been filled with a lot of efforts to defend my constituents, but also, a lot of opportunities to work across the aisle,” said Rep. McBride.