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First Lady Presents Museum and Library Awards
"As a former schoolteacher and librarian, I know that museums and libraries are true treasures for discovery and learning,” Mrs. Bush said. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to recognize all of these wonderful institutions.” Representatives of each of the museums and libraries accepted the awards alongside individuals whose lives have been changed for the better as a result of the programs and services offered by these institutions. Award recipients were:
“Museums and libraries play a powerful role in building and sustaining the communities that are the foundation of American democracy today,” said IMLS Director Robert S. Martin, Ph.D. “That means being much more than a place to view artwork or a building that houses volumes of books. It means becoming a place—both physical and virtual—that understands its unique ability and duty to respond to the needs of those in the immediate community, and in many cases far beyond.” The National Award for Museum Service was established in 1994, and the National Award for Library Service was established in 2000. Recipients of the awards are chosen for their innovative approaches to public service, and for their success in improving communities and making a difference in peoples’ lives. All types of museums, from anthropological to zoological, fine art to folk art, urban, suburban, rural, large and small are eligible for the award. Public and private nonprofit libraries are eligible to receive this award, and nominations of libraries of all sizes are encouraged. For more about the award presentation, including the full text of Mrs. Bush's and Dr. Martin's remarks, visit www.imls.gov/whatsnew/current/031505.htm. |
First Lady Laura Bush presented the 2004 National Awards for Museum and Library Service to three museums and three libraries in a March 14 ceremony at the Hotel Washington. Recognizing the vital role of museums and libraries as leaders in a democratic society, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) annually awards museums and libraries that exhibit outstanding service to their communities. The winners have found innovative ways of using their collections and programs to provide lifelong learning and address critical community concerns. It is the nation's highest honor for the extraordinary public outreach provided by museums and libraries.