Civic/Community Engagement
Libraries and museums build the civic strength of their communities and providing opportunities for public engagement.
Search the Awarded Grants database for grants to programs that strengthen civic/community engagement (issue areas have only been assigned to grants awarded since FY 2009)
National Initiative: National Medal for Museum and Library Services
The National Medal honors outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Selected institutions demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach.
Partnership: StoryCorps
Each year, select museums and libraries receive the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for these institutions. Beginning with the 2009 winners, personal stories demonstrating the ongoing impact of these award-winning institutions are being documented through a cooperative agreement between IMLS and StoryCorps.
Civic/community engagement content on the IMLS Web site:
June 17, 2013 12:28 PM
High level Department of Education and Health and Human Services officials join IMLS and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading to launch a new report on early learning. Anacostia Library in Washington, DC, hosts June 20 event.
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June 10, 2013 11:10 AM
On Tuesday, June 11th, the White House will honor twelve people as museum and library “Champions of Change,” for their work making a difference for their neighborhoods and for our nation.
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May 8, 2013 08:57 AM
First Lady Michelle Obama presents the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. White House celebration recognizes exceptional contributions of 10 museums and libraries.
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April 17, 2013 02:18 PM
IMLS will host a free webinar to provide ideas and advice for museums and gardens that wish to participate in the First Lady Michelle Obama’s Lets Move! initiative.
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April 15, 2013 12:25 PM
IMLS Director Susan Hildreth participated in a naturalization ceremony at Library of Congress during a National Library Week celebration. At the event IMLS and USCIS announced a partnership to encourage and recognize collaboration between citizen and immigration services and public libraries.
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