IMLS Announces Recipients of 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the recipients of the 2013 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 science center, children’s museum, music museum, art museum, cultural museum, public libraries, and county library systems, hailing from seven states. The 2013 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

Libraries

• Marshalltown Public Library, Marshalltown, Iowa
• National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Pierce County Library System, Tacoma, Wash.
• Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• Waukegan Public Library, Waukegan, Ill.

Museums

• Boston Children’s Museum, Boston, Mass.
• Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio
• Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale, Miss.
• Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana, Calif.

Earlier this year, 33 institutions were announced as finalists for the National Medal, and community members were encouraged to share their stories about their experiences on the IMLS Facebook page.
“Congratulations to the 2013 winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service! These institutions exemplify the ways museums and libraries build stronger communities,” said Susan Hildreth, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “From art museums to public library systems, science centers, children’s museums, neighborhood libraries, and more, the 2013 National Medal recipients make an impact. These institutions are educating, inspiring, and leading lifelong learning while serving as community anchors.”
Medal winners were 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 May 8. After the ceremony, StoryCorps – a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans – will visit each institution to document stories from the communities of the winning institutions.