Links: Read the 2010 National Medal Winners brochure (PDF, 1.0 MB) Watch the 2010 National Medal Winners Video Learn more about IMLS and StoryCorps		Web site: Nominate a museum or library for a National Medal at www.imls.gov/medals Pictured: National Medal Award

The Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) has selected five museums and five libraries to receive the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.

"This year’s National Medal winners are serving their communities with innovative and creative new approaches to lifelong learning, commitment to addressing diverse community needs, plain old hard work, and a lot of heart," said IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel. "Many of our winners have evolved and grown despite tremendous challenges – all to empower and enrich the lives of their community members by cultivating collaboration and openness. I am deeply appreciative of their efforts to make a difference. They serve as the nation’s role models."

As the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s museums and libraries, the Institute has a unique perspective on the vital role these institutions play in American society. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to underscore that role. The winners are as diverse as the nation’s cultural landscape: small and large, urban and rural. They have one thing in common: they have developed innovative ways to serve their communities. Winners of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

Winners of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

1. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, IN

2. Explora, Albuquerque, NM

3. Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA

4. Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS

5. Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN

6. The New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY

7. Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue, NY

8. Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI

9. Rangeview Library District and Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO

10. West Bloomfield Township Public Library, West Bloomfield Township, MI

In addition to the National Medal, which will be awarded in an upcoming Washington, D.C. ceremony, each institution receives a $10,000 award and visit from StoryCorps.

The winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service are selected each year by the Director of IMLS, following an open nomination process and based on the recommendations of the National Museum and Library Services Board.

Nominate a museum or library for the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. (Application Deadline is February 15, 2011.)