Congressmen Kennedy demanding a stop to Trump's executive order to Museums and Libraries

"Any cut to funding puts at risk the services that are provided not only here, but in every library our county, state, and country"

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Congressman Tim Kennedy along with many leaders in Erie County spoke out on Thursday against President Donald Trump's executive order that would cut funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

In 2024, the IMLS was awarded $266 million in grants for research and funding for library and museum staffing, infrastructure, educational programs and equality initiatives. There are over 120,000 libraries across the United States, including 7,000 in New York State alone.

"They are breaking the promise to Americans that rely on, and pay for wonderful services that our libraries give us each and every day." Kennedy said.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said that these cuts are only going to help the top one percent of billionaires and that the one the cuts will affect future generations.

"When you're cutting libraries, and you're cutting museums to give a tax break to the wealthiest of the wealthiest." Poloncarz said. "It tells you, you don't care about the people in the country. You don't care about the people in our community who use libraries everyday to advance themselves, to better themselves, to educate our young, and you're telling everyone you just don't care about what happens in communities."

Deputy director of public services for the Buffalo and Erie County Library Dorinda Darden wants the public to know what they can do to help public libraries.

"Speak out, that's the best thing. Reach out to your senators and your representatives to register your concern, donate your donation to the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library will help lessen future impact on patron experiences and services." Darden said. "And lastly, show up, use your library. Get a free library card."