CHICAGO (November 6, 2007) - The Newberry Library, an independent research library, is pleased to announce it will receive the 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for extraordinary public service. One of five libraries chosen this year, the Newberry will be recognized at a special ceremony in Washington DC, on a date to be determined. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries, gives the National Medal annually to museums and libraries that have demonstrated a long-term commitment to public service through innovative programs and community partnerships. The award includes a prize of $10,000 to each recipient.
"Serving our diverse community of readers and providing access and care to our special collections materials is of utmost importance to the Newberry Library," said David Spadafora, Newberry Library president and librarian. "Whether our readers are located in the reading rooms or at computers far away, they are part of the Newberry's growing community of readers."
"We are delighted and deeply honored to receive a National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and to be included in such a noteworthy list of museums and libraries," he added.
"It seems especially appropriate that the Newberry Library is located on the northern edge of Washington Square, affectionately known as bughouse square and probably the best known open air free speech center in America ," said U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL). "For well over 100 years, Chicagoans have held forth on just about any imaginable topic. Luckily, they can check out their facts right there at the Newberry Library. Since 1887, the Newberry has been open and free to the public. Anyone who thinks the internet has made libraries obsolete hasn't been to the Newberry, home to one of the premier genealogical collections in the U.S. and repository of an incredible collection of maps of every shape and kind. And then there are the librarians, a special breed of persons dedicated to helping anyone interested in exploring the world fulfill that mission."
"Through its diligent commitment to education, the Newberry Library has enriched the minds and lives of our citizens and has truly become ‘the pride of our city,'" said U.S. Representative Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL). "Congratulations to the Newberry Library for this much-deserved award."
The Newberry Library has been free and open to the public since its founding in 1887, and serving its diverse community of readers has been at the forefront of its institutional mission. The Library's internationally renowned collections span many centuries and feature items such as illuminated medieval manuscripts, rare early maps, rich genealogical resources, and the personal papers of Midwest authors.
In addition to providing exceptional bibliographic care and access, the Newberry Library hosts long- and short-term fellowships, and conferences for scholars and teachers. The Library also offers year-round programming, including lectures, panel discussions, musical performances, and exhibits based on its collections. More than 1,500 people participate in the Newberry's adult seminar program every year.
"It is such a wonderful honor for the Newberry Library to receive the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Services," said U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL). "Newberry offers one of the richest collections of scholarly research materials in America and is unsurpassed in reaching out to the entire community. The greater Chicago area is so fortunate to be served by this outstanding institution."
"I am proud to congratulate the Newberry Library for the high honor of receiving the 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Service," said U.S. Representative Dan Lipinski (D-IL). "The library's efforts to move programming into the neighborhoods is but one of many examples that demonstrate its merit and worthiness. The Newberry's unrelenting dedication to outreach, service, and education has set it apart, and I encourage its continued efforts to positively influence the community."
"The Institute of Museum and Library Services is pleased to recognize the community achievements of the Newberry Library. The Library makes positive differences in its citizens' lives and serves as a model for the nation's libraries. I offer my heartfelt congratulations," said Anne-Imelda Radice, PhD, Director of IMLS.
The Newberry Library is one of ten institutions to be recognized. The other recipients are: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield Zoo); Georgetown County Library; Kim Yerton Memorial Library; Memphis Public Library; National Museum of Women in the Arts; Ocean County Library; Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; and Vermont Historical Society.
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 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
About the Newberry Library
The Newberry Library, a preeminent humanities research and reference institution, is home to a world-class collection of books, manuscripts, maps, music, and other printed materials related to the history and culture of Western Europe and the Americas. The collections span many centuries. The Newberry offers research fellowships for scholars, exhibits based on its collections, and a broad array of programs and activities. The Newberry has been free and open to the public since 1887. Visit us online at www.newberry.org, and in person at 60 W. Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610.