Dallas Public Library one of 30 finalists for National Medal Award

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced that the Dallas Public Library is among 30 finalists for the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for community service.

“We are honored to be one of the finalists for this award,” said Dallas Public Library Director Jo Giudice.  “As a public library, we are committed to providing high-quality services to all members of the community, including people experiencing homelessness.”

The Dallas Public Library’s Homeless Engagement Initiative launched in September 2013 to improve its services to the many people experiencing homelessness who visit the system’s downtown location each day to access computers, reading material and as a respite from the streets.

Since its launch, the Initiative has garnered national attention for programs like Coffee and Conversation and Street View Podcast. To date, the initiative has engaged more than 4,000 people experiencing homelessness. For more information on the library’s Homeless Engagement Initiative, visit www.dallaslibrary.org.

“The 2016 National Medal finalists make lasting differences in their communities by serving and inspiring the public,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “As key stewards of our nation’s future, we salute them for their excellence in engaging our citizenry and expanding learning of all kinds.”

The 10 National Medal recipients will be named later this spring and the winners will travel to Washington, D.C. to be honored in the National Medal award ceremony.

IMLS is encouraging those who have visited finalist libraries and museums to share their story on the IMLS Facebook page. To Share Your Story visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS.

Learn more about the 2016 National Medal finalists at www.imls.gov/2016-medals.