ALA applauds IMLS and winners of the National Award for Library and Museum Services

Contact: Bernadette Murphy


ALA Washington Office


202-628-8410

For Immediate Release


October 24, 2003

ALA applauds IMLS and winners of the National Award for Library and Museum Service

ALA congratulates the 2003 recipients of the National Awards for Museum and Library Service, awarded this week by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Recognizing the important role of museums and libraries in American society, the IMLS annually awards museums and libraries that exhibit outstanding service to their communities. The award recognizes institutions for their outstanding social, educational, environmental, or economic contributions to their communities. It is the nation's highest honor for extraordinary public service by libraries and museums.

"Each of this year's IMLS award recipients work to provide equal access to information and culture that is life changing for many of their patrons," says Carla D. Hayden, president of the American Library Association. "We are grateful to IMLS for their continued support of
libraries and museums across this country, and for recognizing institutions in various settings for their contributions to their respective communities."

This year’s winners will receive an award of $10,000, and will participate in an awards ceremony in Washington at a date yet to be determined.

The winners of the National Award for Library Service are:

·
Bozeman Public Library, Bozeman, Mont.

·
Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia

·
Pocahontas County Free Library, Marlinton, W.Va.

The winners of the National Award for Museum Service are:

·

Carnegie Science Center Pittsburgh

·
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts San Angelo, Texas

·
USS Constitution Museum, Boston, Mass.

"Through partnerships with schools, businesses, social service agencies, and many other groups, these museums and libraries have uplifted lives, improved neighborhoods, and made our nation better," said Dr. Robert Martin, president of IMLS.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners. The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums.