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:
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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April 12, 2013 09:00 AM
The five teenage National Student Poets serve as literary ambassadors for poetry. They are helping to celebrate National Poetry Month by spreading the word about their craft at workshops and events around the country.
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February 14, 2013 08:55 AM
Visit IMLS Facebook Page and Share Your Story.
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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.
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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.
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October 16, 2012 09:17 AM
IMLS announces new guidelines and a new deadline for the nation’s largest museum grant programs.
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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.
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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.
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June 16, 2010 07:00 AM
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced a national campaign aimed at engaging museums, libraries, and civic leaders in meeting the 21st century learning needs of their communities.
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