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Institute of Museum and Library Services Announces Recipients of 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Nation’s Highest Honor Recognizes Exceptional Contributions of Museums and Libraries



Washington, DC— (November 5, 2012) – The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community and celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

This year’s honorees exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include a school library, county library systems, individual libraries, children’s museums, an art museum, science centers, a park conservancy, and more, hailing from 10 different states. The 2012 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

Bootheel Youth Museum, Malden, Mo.

Contra Costa County Library, Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, N.C.

Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, Ill.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City, N.Y.

Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, Fla.

Naturita Community Library, Naturita, Colo.

Pacific Science Center, Seattle, Wash.

Park View High School Library Media Center, Sterling, Va.

Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw, Pa.

"Museums and libraries serve as community anchors and this year’s winners – from urban North Miami to Naturita, Colorado, home to just 542 people – showcase the positive difference these institutions make for everyone. Innovative programs are teaching residents how to read late in life, inspiring children to dream, using technology to offer e-books on the go, and bridging cultural differences," said Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services. "This year’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipients demonstrate the many ways libraries and museums build strong communities and provide opportunities for individual success."

Medal winners are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. The National Medal will be presented during a celebration in Washington, D.C. on November 14.

To learn more about the 2012 National Medal winners, please 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. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grantmaking, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov or follow us on Twitter at @US_IMLS.