June 25, 2015

The Los Angeles Public Library was one of 10 winners of the 2015 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 Sergio Sanchez traveled with City Librarian John Szabo to Washington D.C., this past May to accept the award. 

Sergio Sanchez, who came to the United States in 1991, always dreamed of becoming a citizen of the United States. After seeing a sign at the Los Angeles Public Library, Sergio enrolled in the citizenship class. He spent every Saturday for three months at the library, and borrowed CDs, flashcards, and books to study at home. With the help of the library staff and resources, Sergio passed the test and became a U.S. citizen. He encouraged his wife, Francisca, to do the same, and she passed the citizenship test five months later. Now whenever a new family moves to the community, Sergio and Francisca tell them the most important place is the library. A place where everyone is welcome, and where dreams come true.