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<p class="MsoPlainText"><a href="https://www.imls.gov/news-events/news-releases/nominate-your-museum-or-library-imls-national-medal">https://www.imls.gov/news-events/news-releases/nominate-your-museum-or-library-imls-national-medal</a><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in;line-height:18.0pt"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Washington, DC</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">—The Institute
of Museum and Library Services is now accepting nominations for the 2019 <a href="https://www.imls.gov/grants/available/national-medal-museum-and-library-service">
<span style="color:#336666">National Medal for Museum and Library Service</span></a>, the nation’s highest honor awarded to libraries and museums for service to their communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in;line-height:18.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Anyone—an employee, a board member, a volunteer, a member of the public, or a government official—is invited to nominate
an institution. Museums and libraries of most disciplines and types are eligible. To be considered, the institution must
<a href="https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/2019medalsnominationform.pdf" target="_blank">
<span style="color:#336666">complete and return the nomination materials</span></a> (PDF 219KB)
<b>by October 1, 2018</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in;line-height:18.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Now in its 25</span><sup><span lang="EN" style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">th</span></sup><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">
year, the annual <a href="https://www.imls.gov/issues/national-initiatives/national-medal-museum-and-library-service">
<span style="color:#336666">IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service</span></a> recognize libraries and museums whose programs and services contribute demonstrably to the wellbeing of their communities. Medalist institutions exceed typical levels
of community outreach by supporting community cohesion and helping to catalyze positive change. Winners’ collaborative, adaptive programs, co-created with their communities, demonstrate exemplary service.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in;line-height:18.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Nominees should review the
<a href="https://www.imls.gov/publications/transforming-communities-imls-strategic-plan-2018-2022">
<span style="color:#336666">IMLS Strategic Plan</span></a> and highlight how their work aligns with the goals of promoting lifelong learning, building institutional capacity, and increasing access to their information and collections. Successful applications
will showcase how their work with these contexts is making a difference for their communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in;line-height:18.0pt"><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">This year, IMLS is particularly interested in library or museum programs that enhance services for veterans and military
families, sustain growth opportunities for diverse youth and young professionals, or provide assistance to diverse youth, families, or seniors. Institutions interested in being considered should read the nomination form carefully and contact the designated
program contacts with questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:.25in;line-height:18.0pt"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">Museums</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif">: Mark Feitl, Museum
Program Officer, <a href="mailto:mfeitl@imls.gov"><span style="color:#336666">mfeitl@imls.gov</span><span style="color:#336666;text-decoration:none"> (link sends e-mail)</span></a>, 202-653-4635<br>
<b>Libraries</b>: Madison Bolls, Senior Program Officer, <a href="mailto:mbolls@imls.gov">
<span style="color:#336666">mbolls@imls.gov</span><span style="color:#336666;text-decoration:none"> (link sends e-mail)</span></a>, 202-653-4786<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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