Five Libraries Win IMLS Awards

First Lady Laura Bush and Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Anne-Imelda Radice presented the 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to five libraries and five museums at a White House ceremony January 14.

The $10,000 awards recognize libraries and museums for exceptional contributions to their communities. The library winners are:

Georgetown County (S.C.) Library, recognized for its lifelong learning efforts;
The Kim Yerton branch of Humboldt County (Calif.) Library, honored for its service to the local Native American community;
Memphis (Tenn.) Public Library and Information Center, cited for its literacy efforts;
The Newberry Library in Chicago, recognized for its public outreach; and
Ocean County (N.J.) Library, cited for its outreach to youth, immigrants, and businesses.

Radice also presented Bush with a medal for her advocacy for the nation’s museums and libraries, citing her work in organizing the National Book Festival in 2001 and hosting the first White House Conference on School Libraries in 2002.

“As a former librarian and someone who lives in a museum, this is one of my favorite events at the White House,” Bush said. “Excellent libraries and museums do fuel the imagination of our people.”

Posted on January 15, 2008.

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