FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2009

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

Five Museums and Five Libraries to Receive Nation’s Highest Honor

CA, FL, IL, IN, OH OR, PA, and TN Institutions Win National Medal

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Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) has selected five museums and five libraries to receive the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.

“In the 21st century, these award winning libraries and museums are the heart and soul of their communities. Their outstanding contributions have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make a real difference in their communities. They reach out to people of all ages and backgrounds and invite them to explore our wonderfully diverse history, culture, and literature. I thank them for their good work and encourage others to follow their shining example,” said IMLS Director Anne-Imelda M. Radice.

As the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s museums and libraries, the Institute has a unique perspective on the vital role these institutions play in American society. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to underscore that role. The winners are as diverse as the nation’s cultural landscape: small and large, urban and rural. They have one thing in common: they have developed innovative ways to serve their communities. Winners of the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

1. Braille Institute Library Services, Los Angeles, CA
2. Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
3. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH
4. Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL
5. Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis, IN
6. Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
7. Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa, FL
8. Pritzker Military Library, Chicago, IL
9. Stark County District Library, Canton, OH
10. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN

In addition to the National Medal, which will be awarded in an upcoming Washington, D.C. ceremony, each institution receives a $10,000 award.

Nominate a museum or library for the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. (Application Deadline is February 16, 2010.)

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 123,000 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.