Library receives nation's highest honor for museum and library service

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At the ceremony on December 5, Institute of Museum and Library Service Director Susan Hildreth presented the National Medal for Museum and Library Service to five libraries and five museums at a ceremony on Capitol Hill. Journalist and author Cokie Roberts gave the keynote address. The National Medal is the highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community.

At the ceremony, Hildreth also read the following excerpt of a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama to the medal winners:

"Museums and libraries inspire us to stretch our imaginations, and play an important role in exposing Americans of all ages and backgrounds to fresh ideas. They teach our children new skills and ways of thinking, and even help to promote lifelong wellness. From big cities to small towns, this year’s medal winners are making tremendous contributions to our communities through innovative programming and a commitment to excellence. You are helping to lift up all those who visit your institutions, and I hope you take pride in all you have accomplished."

In her address, Cokie Roberts talked of the economic difficulties faced by libraries and museums, but added, "I am so impressed with the work that’s being done, with the imagination that is coming to the fore, as people find ways to deal with the difficulties that they’re facing and understand that one of the ways is to be more and more and more engaged in the community and have the community more and more and more engaged in the institutions."

press release

Pictured at the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. - Library Director Shaney T. Livingston, keynote speaker Cokie Roberts, community representative Lenor Drome, Board Chair Scherwin Henry and IMLS Director Susan Hildreth.