[HOUSTON, TX. March 27, 2024] -- The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that Harris County Public Library (HCPL) is among 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. HCPL is one of three institutions in Texas to be selected as a finalist for this award.
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For 30 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
“This nomination is a powerful validation of our commitment to equitable and open access to information, resources, and technology,” said HCPL Executive Director Edward Melton, “We hope this recognition will strengthen our support among Texans who cherish the freedom to read and inspire other public libraries across the state.”
“The 30 National Medal finalists from across the United States showcase the tremendous abilities of libraries and museums to serve as trusted, dynamic public spaces that meet the needs of their communities,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum. “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is honored to recognize these outstanding institutions. We congratulate them on their collective effort to respond to community needs, preserve diverse history and culture, and create a sense of belonging for all Americans.”
HCPL's nomination is based largely on its commitment to serving the county's diverse communities both within and beyond library walls including its groundbreaking HCPL Connected initiative, its expanding role in citizenship and English language learning for the area's large population of immigrants, its Enhanced+ Library Card, its multi-layered approach to outreach for underserved communities and its steadfast defense of Texans' right to read.
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging HCPL community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony in Washington, DC this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
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 libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
