Since 1994, the National Medal for Museum and Library Service has been awarded to outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Each year, IMLS receives hundreds of applications nominating museums and libraries that inspire, educate, and equip community members through programs and engagement. We salute our finalists for the work they do to strengthen their communities—the personal stories of those impacted by these institutions speak volumes. It thrills us to celebrate these successes through the Share Your Story initiative on our Facebook page. We invited the public to post about their experiences with the 30 finalist institutions, and over the past six weeks, hundreds of you have expressed gratitude and shared memories about these museums and libraries that touch your lives. To wrap up this year’s Share Your Story campaign, we would like to share a few highlights from the many tributes you shared.

Congrats to @ChabotSpace (& @BillsClimateLab) @US_IMLS #NationalMedal finalist. Whoo Hoo! pic.twitter.com/xWpxy4GUrm — Bill Nye (@BillNye) March 21, 2015

Excerpts: What a gift The Strong is to our region and beyond! Our visits to the museum have brought our immediate and extended family closer together as a source of fun and education. It is a great reminder of the need for various types of play to develop our imagination, coordination, strength, and knowledge. The Strong provides a trip down memory lane that guarantees a smile on everyone's face! I've been a patron in many libraries around the country, and Phoenix Public Library stands out to me as especially committed to enriching the lives of its patrons. There are the small things, such as access to popular movie and music titles that most libraries won't carry, or the ability to place on hold any item in the Phoenix system and have it delivered to your 'home' branch. Then there are the big things, like the wonderful programs, maker spaces, free lunch for hungry kids, job search help, and so much more than I could mention in one post. Every time I come into the library, there are more signs about these amazing programs. It was with sheer pleasure that I watched my little girl find the same drawers in the Craft Room that her very brother once played with three years ago. These are filled with tiny treasures from the outdoors, and just one of many stimulating exhibits the Wild Center has carefully crafted for all ages. It is always a treat to make the 45 min trek from our hometown. I find myself timing the visit around lunch to include the fresh, local food offered, as well as a mini shopping spree for birthday presents in one of the best gift shops around! We can't wait for the Wild Walk this summer!! Over a year ago I started writing a genealogy paper on Francis C. Wilkes, a Methodist minister and Civil War Colonel. Initially I was excited to find a snippet of information representing a year or years in his life. Then I discovered The Portal of Texas History, managed to University of North Texas, where I spent hours searching through Texas newspapers archives. Each hit on information about him provided basis for new searches which often turned up new material I never expected to find. I now have an extensive archive of information about Wilkes, his life and times. The original plan for a paper has evolved into a biography. There is so much to love about The Tuckerton Seaport. As a mom, I appreciate that there are several indoor and outdoor areas to explore that are both fun and educational. As an educator I appreciate the knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are so willing to share what they know with others. The hands on exhibits just enhance the learning experiences my kids have. As a community member I appreciate the ways the Tuckerton Seaport gives back to the community and gives me ways to do that as well. It's definitely one of our favorite museums and most deserving of this honor. My grandson is really into the Maker movement ever since I took him to his first Maker Faire two years ago at the Westport Library. He also enjoys coming to the MakerSpace and loves using the 3D printers. He has even made a printer of his own! He and I have had a date for every Maker Faire since. This year is no exception. We so appreciate the time that so many of you put into sharing your stories with us. Don’t stop now! Please continue to post on our Facebook page and to congratulate these outstanding institutions. Stay tuned for our announcement of the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipients later this month.