Five Public Libraries Receive National Awards from IMLS
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 10/03/2008
- Five libraries, five museums honored
- Winners get $10,000; ceremony Tuesday
- Large and small libraries find new ways to reach communities
Five libraries and five museums have won the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor, awarded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in coordination with the White House. The organizations are recognized for their “extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.” In addition to the National Medal, to be awarded at a White House ceremony next Tuesday, October 7, each institution receives $10,000.
The Miami-Dade Public Library System, FL, was acknowledged for initiatives like the Art of Storytelling and its Five-Star Commitment to the community, the latter an extensive series of program that addresses the needs of the library’s diverse constituencies.
Kansas City Public Library (KCPL), MO, received the award for its Books to Go project, which deliver
s books monthly to more than 7000 preschool-aged children through Head Start programs and other similar venues. KCPL also was acknowledged for its extensive offerings of monthly special local history lectures and its kid-friendly Once Upon a Time exhibit and related programming that took place in winter 2008. Its central library is at right.
The Jane Stern Dorado Community Library, Puerto Rico, founded in 1974, was the first community library in Puerto Rico; it has helped institute other community libraries, beginning with San Juan in 1987. Its story hour draws kids from public and private schools on a weekly basis. It is acknowledged for its programs ranging from children’s summer instruction to senior outreach.
Skidompha Public Library (below), Damariscotta, ME, serves a population that fluctuates between 9000 people in the winter to 14,000 people in the summer. It offers the Books in Motion community reading program, which each month pairs titles with movies for community- wide discussions. Students, seniors, and adults with literacy issues all take advantage of programs and services.
(Skidompha announces itself as "the award-winning library with the curious name." The name "Skidompha" is an acronym formed from letters in the names of members of a literary club--a precursor to the current Skidompha Literary Association--who appeared in an 1885 production of "The Mikado," a successful fund-raising event.
Skokie Public Library, IL, serves a population that is 42 percent foreign born with a great number of specific programs. Residents are welcomed with signage of 14 languages and a designated spot on the library’s community-oriented web site. Skokie goes beyond traditional offerings with its Young Steinway Concert Series, a monthly performance series that has played a role in launching dozens of music careers.
