Institute of Museum and Library Services Announces Schomburg Center as Finalist for the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2014) – The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a research division of the New York Public Library, has been selected as a National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist. The National Medal, the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community, will be celebrating its 20th year of saluting institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. 

Medal finalists are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. This year’s finalists exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include an aquarium, conservatory and botanical gardens, a university library, public libraries, children’s museums, art museums, science centers, and more, hailing from across the country. 

“Museums and libraries serve as civic gathering places, bringing together individuals in pursuit of educational resources, community connections, skills development, and multifaceted lifelong learning,” said Susan Hildreth, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are very proud to announce the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture as a finalist for the 2014 National Medal. This year’s National Medal finalists illustrate the many ways museums and libraries can excite lifelong learning and civic engagement.”

Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited these institutions to share their story on the IMLS Facebook page, www.facebook.com/USIMLS. Visit the IMLS Facebook page to learn more about how these institutions make an impact. National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners will be announced this spring. 

To Share Your Story, please visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS. To learn more about the 2014 National Medal finalists, visit www.imls.gov/medals.

Celebrating 20 Years

This year, IMLS celebrates the 20th anniversary of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. For the past two decades, the National Medal has honored outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Including 2013 winners, 132 institutions have received this honor, and ten additional institutions will be awarded in 2014.