Pierce County Library System to Receive National Medal for Museum and Library Service Today

First Lady Michelle Obama will join Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Director Susan Hildreth in a White House ceremony in the East Room to present the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Pierce County Library System Wednesday.

The nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community, the National Medal celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families and communities.

Neel Parikh, executive director, and community member Jo Cruz will accept the National Medal.

Spanaway resident Jo Cruz took her young children on frequent trips to the library. Picture book browsing and story time have evolved to sophisticated research, as her son prepares to graduate high school this spring. Cruz’s parenting experience showed that a foundation in literacy greatly impacts children in preparation for their future.

Now, as a childcare professional, Cruz is committed to supporting this idea and plans early literacy activities for the children in her care. The library is a major resource for Cruz – providing idea kits, materials, and even hosting block parties and group meetings for child care professionals.

"Families, child care professionals, and our Pierce County Library System are team players in this community. It is reassuring to know that the success of our children is supported by passionate people concerned about the future of our little ones,” said Cruz.

“Museums and libraries serve as centers for lifelong learning and as cornerstones for our communities. Pierce County Library System is conducting their own research and implementing authentic solutions to lead the way in early literacy, to support diverse constituencies, and to create meaningful partnerships. We are very proud to name Pierce County Library System one of this year’s National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners,” said Susan Hildreth, Director of Institute of Museum and Library Services.

This year’s 10 honorees exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include a science center, children’s museum, music museum, art museum, cultural museum, public libraries, and county library systems, hailing from seven states. The 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Ceremony will be streamed live on www.whitehouse.gov/live beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

 “Congratulations to the Pierce County Library System for earning this tremendous honor. Pierce County’s 18 libraries connect people, enhance learning, and offer all children and adults tremendous opportunities in the community," said U.S. Rep. Adam Smith. "They continue to provide critical resources that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse community speaking many different languages, a growing youth population, tens of thousands of military members and their families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and more."

Medal winners are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. Later this year, StoryCorps – a national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans – will visit Pierce County Library System to document stories from the community.

To learn more about the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners, please visit www.imls.gov/medals.

Information courtesy of Institute of Museum and Library Services.