by Maggie Snow
Quick Summary
Dakota County Library is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced March 18. Dakota County Library is the only finalist from Minnesota.
Text courtesy of Dakota County Library.
Dakota County Library is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced March 18. Dakota County Library is the only finalist from Minnesota.
The medal is the nation's highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
“It is such an honor for Dakota County Library to be recognized as a finalist for the IMLS National Medal," said Margaret Stone, director of Dakota County Library. “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and talent of our staff and community partners, who have helped us reach for the library's vision of being a catalyst, connector and partner to empower residents and help build a successful community."
Winners will be announced in late spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual ceremony this summer.
"The revival and reinstitution of the National Medals by IMLS is another signal of recovery and renewal in the nation's very challenging — but very hopeful — times," said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “We are celebrating not only the ongoing excellence of the best of our museums and libraries, but their extraordinary efforts through the pandemic, the recession, the racial justice protests, and national divisions to serve, heal and bring together our communities. Congratulations to all 30 finalists."
To celebrate this honor, Dakota County Library community members are encouraged to share stories, memories, pictures and videos on social media as part of the Share Your Story campaign on March 31, using the #IMLSmedals and #LibraryWednesday hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services website.
About the Dakota County Library
Dakota County Library is open weekday, evening and weekends at nine locations. The library provides an all-access pass to print and digital books, online homework help, career and small business workshops, and Wi-Fi hotspot and Chromebook for free internet access, and more. Visit the Dakota County Library 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. It advances, supports and empowers America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. Visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services website.
