About Us - Issues

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

November 5, 2012 09:42 AM
IMLS congratulates the 2012 recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The ten institutions provide exceptional service to their communities. Read More

 
Call for Applications: Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program

October 17, 2012 01:12 PM
IMLS is accepting applications for the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services grant program. The program’s new deadline is January 15, 2013. Read More

 
Call for Applications: FY 2013 Museums for America and National Leadership Grants for Museums

October 16, 2012 09:17 AM
IMLS announces new guidelines and a new deadline for the nation’s largest museum grant programs. Read More

 
IMLS Holds 21st Century Skills Workshop at the San Francisco Public Library

November 4, 2010 11:20 AM
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is holding a workshop at the San Francisco Public Library on November 4 as part of a national campaign aimed at engaging museums, libraries, and civic leaders in meeting the 21st century learning needs of their communities. Additional hosts include the Exploratorium and the San Francisco Arts Commission. Read More

 
IMLS Podcast Provides Plain Language Facts about 21st Century Skills

August 11, 2010 02:15 PM
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) proudly announces release of a podcast on 21st century skills by IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel. Read More