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IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov

Award Recognizes Innovative Approaches to Public Service and Community Outreach

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has selected five libraries and five museums to receive the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries for extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions. Recipients must demonstrate innovative approaches to public service and community outreach.

"Congratulations to each of these organizations on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The work they have accomplished is an inspiration to libraries and museums throughout the nation," said Susan Hildreth, IMLS Director. "With innovation, creativity and a great deal of heart they have achieved an outstanding level of public service." 

The winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service are selected each year by the Director of IMLS, following an open nomination process and based on the recommendations of the National Museum and Library Services Board.

The award was created to celebrate the vital role museums and libraries play in American society and is awarded to institutions that have developed innovative ways to serve their communities. Recipients of the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

1. Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL

2. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY

3. Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH

4. EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia, SC

5. Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA

6. Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, Collegeville, MN

7. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA

8. Madison Children’s Museum, Madison, WI

9. San José Public Library, San José, CA

10. Weippe Public Library & Discovery Center, Weippe, ID

To learn more about the 2011 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service view the brochure or visit 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 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.