National Medal Museum and Library Service medallion

The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Since 1994, IMLS has presented the award to outstanding libraries and museums of all types and sizes that deeply impact their communities.

2024 National Medal Deadline Has Passed

Read the press release announcing this year’s nomination window through September 1, 2023, and watch for more announcements in spring.

2023 National Medal Winners Announced

IMLS announced the eight recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, on May 23, 2023. Read the press release.

Read the March 28, 2023 press release for the complete list of 2023 finalists.

The six recipients of the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service were announced on June 7, 2022.

2022 Virtual Award Ceremony

Celebrating the excellence of America's museums and libraries! Watch the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Virtual Award Ceremony.

Celebrating 25 Years of National Medals

For more National Medals videos, view the playlist on the IMLS YouTube channel.

View Past Medal Recipients

Learn more about the museums and libraries who have previously been selected to receive a National Medal.