Institute of Museum and Library Services Honors Chicago Library with Prestigious Award
CHICAGO (January 14, 2008) - Today, First Lady Laura Bush presented the Newberry Library with the 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Service during a special ceremony at the White House. The National Medal is the nation's highest honor for extraordinary public service, and the Newberry Library was one of only five libraries in the country to be selected for the honor.
"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. "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."
The awards are conferred annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in coordination with the White House 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.
"These award-winning museums and libraries, through their innovative programs and services, engage citizens of all ages," said Mrs. Laura Bush. "They teach us about ourselves and the world around us, and in doing so, enrich our communities and the nation."
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.
The Newberry Library is one of ten institutions that were recognized. The other recipients include: 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.