FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contacts:
Giuliana Bullard, 202-653-4799
gbullard@imls.gov

Katie Haswell, 202-414-0799
khaswell@susandavis.com

Nation’s Best Selected for National Medal for Museum and Library Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the 10 recipients of the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 23 years, the award has celebrated institutions that respond to societal needs in innovative ways, making a difference for individuals, families, and their communities. The award will be presented at an event in Washington, D.C., this summer.

The 2017 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service demonstrate impactful programs and services that exceed the expected levels of community outreach and are known as catalysts for community change. They were selected from 30 finalists across the country nominated for the honor.

The 2017 National Medal recipients are:

• Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (Alaska State Museums) (Juneau, Alaska)
• Aspen Art Museum (Aspen, Colorado)
• Cedar Rapids Public Library (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
• Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (Skokie, Illinois)
• Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum (Wausau, Wisconsin)
• Long Beach Public Library (Long Beach, California)
• Peralta Hacienda Historical Park (Oakland, California)
• Richland Library (Columbia, South Carolina)
• University of Minnesota Libraries (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Waterville Public Library (Waterville, Maine)

“We are proud to honor these 10 institutions with this year’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “These institutions play a critical role as community catalysts and provide vital resources that drive economic development, foster community well-being, and spark neighborhood revitalization. We are proud of all 10 museums and libraries and celebrate their ongoing commitment to their communities.”

After the ceremony, StoryCorps—a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans—will visit each recipient to document stories from the community.

The next deadline for nominating a museum or library is October 2, 2017. Learn more about the National Medal at www.imls.gov/2017-medals.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, 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 www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.