FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Sara Neumann
(202) 414-0788; sneumann@susandavis.com
National Medal for Museum and Library Service to be Conferred Today
White House Celebration Recognizes Exceptional Contributions of 10 Museums and Libraries
Washington, DC—This afternoon, in a White House ceremony, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will present the 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to 10 museums and libraries from across the country. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community and celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. IMLS Director Susan Hildreth will be joined by White House Domestic Policy Council Director Cecilia Muñoz to present the Medal, and NPR senior national correspondent Linda Wertheimer will serve as emcee.
This year’s honorees exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include a school library, county library systems, individual public libraries, children’s museums, an art museum, science centers, a park conservancy, and more, from 10 different states.
The 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipients are:
- Bootheel Youth Museum, Malden, Mo.
- Contra Costa County Library, Pleasant Hill, Calif.
- Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, N.C.
- Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, Ill.
- Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City, N.Y.
- Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, Fla.
- Naturita Community Library, Naturita, Colo.
- Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Wash.
- Park View High School Library Media Center, Sterling, Va.
- Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw, Pa.
In addition to the museum and library leaders from winning institutions, a member from each recognized community will participate in the ceremony to share how the museum or library has affected their lives.
"This year’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipients share the common bond of having achieved extraordinary success at reaching out to the communities they serve in effective and inventive ways," said Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services. "We’re looking forward to a wonderful celebration this afternoon to honor the important role museums and libraries play across America."
Medal winners are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach.
To learn more about the 2012 National Medal winners, please visit www.imls.gov/medals.
Editor’s Note: Photos from this evening’s ceremony as well as speaker remarks are available upon request. Please contact Sara Neumann at 202.414.0788 or sneumann@susandavis.com.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grantmaking, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov or follow us on Twitter at @US_IMLS.