"Share Your Story" to Support Tulsa City-County Library's Quest for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

   On April 2 you are invited to “Share Your Story” and help show how Tulsa City-County Library supports lifelong learning throughout our community.

   Visit the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/USIMLS, and share your stories and photos showing how Tulsa City-County Library is making a positive impact for individuals and families in Tulsa County.

   The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that Tulsa City-County Library is among the 30 finalists for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

   The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community.  For 21 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for individuals, families and communities.  IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.

   “Museums and libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, serving as trusted providers of critical resources, educational training, skills development, and civic and cultural enrichment,” said Maura Marx, IMLS acting director.  “We salute Tulsa City-County Library for exemplary leadership in promoting lifelong learning while engaging and inspiring the public.”

   More than 150 institutions were nominated for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.  The 30 finalists were selected because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.  This year’s finalists include individual public libraries, special and research libraries, a zoo, science museums, botanical gardens, and many other types of institutions exemplifying the great diversity of libraries and museums across the country.

   The National Medal winners will be named later this spring, and representatives from the winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony.  Winning institutions also will receive a visit from StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the stories of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs.

   Visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS to learn more about how these institutions make an impact and to participate in Share Your Story.  To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/medals.

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