Local community encouraged to ‘Share Your Story’ on IMLS social media in March, April

From Institute of Museum and Library Services

WASHINGTON — The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced that Fort Belknap Indian Reservation’s Aaniiih Nakoda College Library is among the 30 finalists for the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to their communities. For 25 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families and communities.

Aaniiih Nakoda College Library Director Eva English said the college is humbled and honored by the nomination, adding that the library has become a valuable information resource for the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and its residents by providing opportunities for enhanced learning experiences through a variety of methods, from online resources to hands-on activities.

“Each person who has worked at, volunteered for or partnered with the ANCL shares a stake in this award,” she said. “The library is proud to represent the incredible work being done by tribal college libraries all across the United States. Our nomination pays tribute to each person who has been touched by the (library) and tribal college libraries nationwide.”

Aaniih Nakoda’s is the first tribal college library to be nominated for the award.

“The 30 National Medal finalists showcase the tremendous ability of libraries and museums to serve as vital community resources,” said IMLS Director Kathryn K. Matthew. “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is honored to recognize these leading institutions. We congratulate them on the work they are doing across the United States.”

Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited the Aaniiih Nakoda College Library to share their story on social media. To Share Your Story, people can visit https://www.facebook.com/USIMLS or https://www.twitter.com/us_imls and use #IMLSmedals.

National Medal winners will be announced later this spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions at the National Medal Ceremony at the US Botanic Garden on June 12 in Washington, D.C.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website at https://www.bit.ly/2teoP34/.