The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be viewed on the agency's Web site: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610.shtm. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2010 

Press Contacts 
202-653-4745 
Gina White, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] 

Five Museums and Five Libraries to Receive Nation's Highest Honor 

CA, CO, IN, MI, MS, NM, NY and TN Institutions Win National Medal 

 Washington, DC-The Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) has selected five museums and five libraries to receive the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.

"This year's National Medal winners are serving their communities with innovative and creative new approaches to lifelong learning, commitment to addressing diverse community needs, plain old hard work, and a lot of heart," said IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel.  "Many of our winners have evolved and grown despite tremendous challenges - all to empower and enrich the lives of their community members by cultivating collaboration and openness. I am deeply appreciative of their efforts to make a difference. They serve as the nation's role models."

As the primary source of federal funding for the nation's museums and libraries, the Institute has a unique perspective on the vital role these institutions play in American society. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to underscore that role. The winners are as diverse as the nation's cultural landscape: small and large, urban and rural. They have one thing in common: they have developed innovative ways to serve their communities. Winners of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are: 

1. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers, IN: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_conner.shtm 
2. Explora, Albuquerque, NM: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_explora.shtm 
3. Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_janm.shtm 
4. Mississippi Museum of Art, Jackson, MS: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_mississippi.shtm 
5. Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_nashville.shtm 
6. The New York Botanical Garden, New York, NY: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_nybg.shtm  
7. Patchogue-Medford Library, Patchogue, NY: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_patchogue.shtm 
8. Peter White Public Library, Marquette, MI: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_peter.shtm 
9. Rangeview Library District and Anythink Libraries, Adams County, CO: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_rangeview.shtm 
10. West Bloomfield Township Public Library, West Bloomfield Township, MI: http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/111610_west.shtm  

In addition to the National Medal, which will be awarded in an upcoming Washington, D.C. ceremony, each institution receives a $10,000 award and visit from StoryCorps (see http://www.imls.gov/about/storycorps.shtm). 

The winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service are selected each year by the Director of IMLS, following an open nomination process and based on the recommendations of the National Museum and Library Services Board.

Nominate a museum or library for the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service at http://www.imls.gov/about/medals.shtm. (Application Deadline is February 15, 2011.)

Important Links:
2010 National Medal Brochure (PDF, 1.0 MB): http://www.imls.gov/pdf/Medals10.pdf 
Watch the 2010 National Medal Winners Video: http://www.imls.gov/about/medals_10.shtm 
Past Winners of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service: http://www.imls.gov/results.asp?program=1006,1005&description=on&sort=year 

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 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 http://www.imls.gov.