FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2008

Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Nominate Your Favorite Museum or Library
For the National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Nomination Deadline: February 17, 2009

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is seeking nominations for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for exemplary museum and library community service The medal winners will be the institutions that make the most extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.

Any individual may nominate a museum or library in the United States and its territories for the National Medal. Public or private nonprofit museums, including zoos, art, history, science and technology, children’s, and natural history museums; historic houses, nature centers, and botanical gardens; and all types of libraries, including public, school, academic, research, and archival, are eligible to receive this honor. Recipient institutions receive a $10,000 award and the National Medal at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

For more information and to access the nomination form, please go to: http://www.imls.gov/about/medals.shtm.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.