The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced Madison Public Library of Madison as one of 10 recipients of the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 22 years, the award has celebrated institutions that respond to societal needs in innovative ways, making a difference for individuals, families, and their communities. The award will be presented at an event in Washington, D.C. on June 1.
By focusing on customer and civic engagement and promoting education, literacy and community involvement, Madison Public Library emphasizes its vision of being “your place to learn, share and create” by connecting visitors with library services and programs, community resources, and each other. An emphasis on community engagement has resulted in efforts such as Parents as First Teachers, Read Up!, Tell Us, and involvement in Madison’s Neighborhood Resource Teams. Madison’s nationally recognized Bubbler programming model promotes participatory learning with community experts.
“This year’s National Medal recipients show the transforming role of museums and libraries from educational destinations to full-fledged community partners and anchors,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are proud to recognize the extraordinary institutions that play an essential role in reaching underserved populations and catalyzing new opportunities for active local involvement.”
“We are honored to receive the National Medal,” said Greg Mickells, director of Madison Public Library. “This achievement reflects our community’s appreciation of and commitment to public libraries, and our library’s dedication to excellent, innovative library service and community engagement.”
Community member Rob Franklin (Rob Dz) will join Mickells in Washington, D.C., for the June event to share the impact Madison Public Library has had on his life.
The recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service demonstrate impactful programs and services that exceed the expected levels of community outreach. They were selected from 30 finalists from across the country nominated for the honor.
After the ceremony, StoryCorps — a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans — will visit Madison Public Library to document stories from the community.
For a complete list of 2016 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, please visit https://www.imls.gov/2016-medals
