By Melissa Heintz Public Affairs Specialist, IMLS The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was one of 10 winners of the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for libraries and museums that are serving their communities in exceptional ways. Community member Chidi Duke traveled with Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Scot Medbury to Washington D.C.  this past May to accept the award. Chidi Duke was only 11 years old when he first arrived at The Children’s Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Tending to his own plot in the garden brought a sense of responsibility to his life.  He started at the garden through Project Green Reach, a science enrichment program led by BBG in his Brooklyn elementary school. His teacher recommended him for the Children’s Garden program, where Chidi became captivated with the plant world. His role in the Children’s Garden grew progressively, and eventually he became a leader and mentor to younger participants. He enrolled in the Brooklyn Academy of Science and Environment (BASE), the public high school co-founded by Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park Alliance with the Department of Education, and is now a student of environmental law at The City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He continues to be a part of BBG as an instructor with the Garden Apprentice Program for teens. Do you know of a museum or library that has made a difference? Nominations are now being accepted for the 2015 National Medal. Nomination Forms must be mailed and postmarked by October 15, 2014.