[Houston, Texas - August 1, 2024] -- On Tuesday, the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington DC presented Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and nine other institutions with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service (NMMLS). The NMMLS is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.
The Children's Museum Houston also received the NMMLS. The 2024 award marks the first time in its history that two institutions in the same city received the award in the same year. The last and only previous Houston-area recipient was the Museum of Fine Arts Houston in 1997.
HCPL's Nomination for the NMMLS
HCPL was nominated for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service by U.S. Congresswomen Lizzie Fletcher and Sheila Jackson Lee. The nomination highlighted the library’s programs to increase equitable access to services, technology, information, and education for Harris County residents:
- HCPL leveraged Emergency Connectivity Fund grants to partner with Google and T-Mobile to provide free laptop computers and 5G hotspots to 70,000 residents who lacked reliable home internet service and the devices to connect to it for school and work.
- The library’s concerted efforts reach low-income and resource-starved areas by building long-term productive relationships with community organizations
- HCPL's expanding English language learning and naturalization programs
- The library's partnership with Harris County Juvenile Probation Department to bring library services to young men and women completing residential programs within the HCJPD system.
- HCPL’s Mobile Outreach Librarians and a fleet of outreach vehicles bring customized educational programs and services wherever Harris County residents gather.
2024 NMMLS Recipients
Libraries: The Copper Queen Library (Bisbee, AZ), DC Public Library (Washington, DC), Griswold Memorial Library (Colrain, MA), Harris County Public Library (Houston, TX), Kent District Library (Comstock Park, MI)
Museums: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson, AZ), Children’s Museum Houston (Houston, TX), Discovery Museum (Acton, MA), The Louis Armstrong House Museum (Queens, NY), Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh, PA)
HCPL Attendees, NMMLS CeremonyHCPL attendees (l. to r.): Silvia Romo Duarte, Senior Youth Program Specialist; Edward Melton, HCPL Executive Director; Linda Stevens, Division Director for Programs, Partnerships & Outreach; Michelle Carnahan, Division Director, Research and Development; Nancy Hu, Design & Communications Manager
Edward Melton and Rayanne DarensbourgHCPL Executive Director Edward Melton and Rayanne Darensbourg, Children’s Museum Houston CEO
IMLS NMMLS Ceremony_2024[l. to r.] Cyndee Landrum, Acting Director of IMLS; Silvia Romo-Duarte, Senior Youth Program Specialist at HCPL’s Galena Park Branch; and Edward Melton, HCPL Executive Director
