The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced that Wisconsin’s Madison Public Library is among the 30 finalists for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 21 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for individuals, families, and communities.  Madison Public Library is the only library or museum chosen in the state of Wisconsin for this honor in 2015.
 
“Museums and libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, serving as trusted providers of critical resources, educational training, skills development, and civic and cultural enrichment,” said Maura Marx, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We salute Madison Public Library for exemplary leadership in promoting lifelong learning while engaging and inspiring the public.”
 
“The Madison Public Library has always sought to measure its success in terms of the impact it is has on our community. It is a shining example of what a 21st century library must be— a shared space that meets the needs of the public and enriches the entire community in the face of ever-changing user demographics and technologies,” said Congressman Mark Pocan.  “I was honored to nominate Madison Public Library for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service and am thrilled that it is receiving this well-deserved national recognition.”
 
"Here in Madison we know that our public library is the heart of our community.  The nine libraries lead the way as we focus on equity and service to all.  From children’s programming and after school activities to access to internet, computers, life-long learning and a focus on civic and community engagement, the entire city benefits from the library's facilities and the incredible staff." - Mayor Paul Soglin
 
Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited Madison Public Library 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.
 
"It is an honor to be named as a National Medal Finalist and to have this unique opportunity to showcase our library and our library's vision of being a place to learn, share and create. Madison has made a tremendous investment in its public libraries.” said Library Director Greg Mickells. “I have been privileged to hear many stories of the library's impact on the lives of Madison residents and visitors, and I encourage all Madisonians to share their library stories with IMLS and the nation."
 
The National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners will be named later this spring, and representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C. to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony. Winning institutions also receive a visit from StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
 
To Share Your Story, please visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS.  To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/medals.  To visit Madison Public Library, visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org and www.madisonbubbler.org.
 
 
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 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
 
About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison (WI) for 140 years.  Nine locations throughout the City of Madison are open six days per week and welcome over 2.3 million visits each year. For more information, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org, Madison Public Library on Facebook, or @madisonlibrary on Twitter.