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Giuliana Bullard
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Ten Winners of Nation’s Highest Museum and Library Honor Announced

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the 10 recipients of the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 22 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., on June 1.

The 2016 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service demonstrate impactful programs and services that exceed the expected levels of community outreach. They were selected from 30 finalists across the country nominated for the honor.

The 2016 National Medal recipients are:

• Brooklyn Public Library (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
• The Chicago History Museum (Chicago, Ill.)
• Columbia Museum of Art (Columbia, S.C.)
• Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children (Gulfport, Miss.)
• Madison Public Library (Madison, Wis.)
• Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs, Ark.)
• North Carolina State University Libraries (Raleigh, N.C.)
• Otis Library (Norwich, Conn.)
• Santa Ana Public Library (Santa Ana, Calif.)
• Tomaquag Museum (Exeter, R.I.)

This year’s National Medal recipients show the transforming role of museums and libraries from educational destinations to full-fledged community partners and anchors,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are proud to recognize the extraordinary institutions that play an essential role in reaching underserved populations and catalyzing new opportunities for active local involvement.”

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 communities of the winning institutions.

Learn more about the National Medal and how to nominate a museum or library at https://www.imls.gov/medals.

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 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 and Twitter.