By Melissa Heintz Public Affairs Specialist, IMLS The Chicago Public Library 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 Chris Force traveled with Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon to Washington D.C.  this past May to accept the award. For Chris Force, Alarm Press founder and editor in chief, the library is not just a place for books; it is a place where he became an entrepreneur. When transitioning his magazine from a hobby to a business, he turned to the Chicago Public Library. Here, patrons have access to both physical and digital resources at all 80 locations and, as Chris found, access to valuable librarian knowledge and expertise. He and used the library as his business incubator, booking meeting rooms and using the free databases to source leads.  Force’s belief in the value of the library extends to his staff – he insists that all Alarm Press employees obtain a Chicago Public Library card when they are hired. 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.
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National Medal for Museum and Library Service