1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I’m writing today as your constituent to express my deep concern over Executive Order 14238, “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” which calls for the closure of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and halts its funding. This action is not only shortsighted but harmful to millions of Americans who rely on libraries for access to books, technology, education, and community programs. Libraries are more than just places to borrow books—they are safe, inclusive community hubs that foster literacy, bridge the digital divide, and offer vital services from job training to health workshops. For rural communities in particular, IMLS-supported libraries are often the only reliable source of free internet access, making them critical for education, employment, and staying connected in the modern world. Despite costing just 0.003% of the federal budget, IMLS funding supports more than 125,000 libraries across the country. Without this support, mass closures would be inevitable—leaving millions without access to information and essential resources. This decision undermines the democratic ideals of an informed citizenry and equal access to knowledge. We cannot claim to support education, equity, and opportunity while dismantling the institutions that make those things possible. I urge you to reject this executive order and fully restore IMLS funding. Libraries are cornerstones of our communities and our democracy. To defund them would be to turn our backs on both.