{"id":1835,"date":"2017-04-24T15:19:31","date_gmt":"2017-04-24T19:19:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/web.colby.edu\/thelantern\/?p=1835"},"modified":"2017-04-24T15:22:05","modified_gmt":"2017-04-24T19:22:05","slug":"a-leading-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.colby.edu\/thelantern\/2017\/04\/24\/a-leading-library\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Leading Library"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Colby Museum is proud to be one of several\u00a0organizations cultural resources that serve\u00a0Waterville and we’re thrilled to congratulate our friends (and Waterville Creates!<\/a> partners) at the Waterville Public Library<\/a> on their status as a National Medal Finalist, a true testament to their outstanding work for our community. <\/em>\u00a0The Lantern is pleased to\u00a0welcome\u00a0Tammy L. Rabideau, associate director, Waterville Public Library to share details about\u00a0this fantastic honor\u00a0and how you can be a part of the celebration!<\/em><\/p>\n

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The National Medal is the nation\u2019s most prestigious honor given to museums and libraries for service to their communities.\u00a0For twenty-three years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and have made a difference for individuals, families, and communities.<\/em><\/div><\/div>\u00a0<\/em>The Waterville Public Library is a finalist for the nation\u2019s highest honor given to a library or museum: the\u00a0National Medal\u00a0awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)! The award is given to institutions in recognition of significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. In March, the IMLS announced thirty finalists for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation\u2019s most prestigious honor given to museums and libraries for service to their communities. For twenty-three years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and have made a difference for individuals, families, and communities.<\/p>\n

In celebration of the National Medal finalist nomination, the Waterville Library Board of Trustees invites the community to celebrate Waterville Library Love Day<\/a> with a tea party at the Waterville Public Library on Wednesday,\u00a0April 26, 2017, from four to six p.m. By a mayoral proclamation issued this past week at the City Council meeting,\u00a0April 26, 2017,\u00a0is declared to be a day to celebrate the library\u2019s 121 years of service to the community. Join the library trustees for cake, crafts, treats, prizes, and other fun! On April 26, the Institute of Museum and Library Services will commend the Waterville Public Library via the press, on their website, and on social media. A proud day for Waterville!<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2017 National Medal finalists represent the leading museums and libraries that serve as catalysts for change in their communities,\u201d said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the IMLS. \u201cIt is our honor to recognize thirty notable institutions for their commitment to providing programs and services that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. We salute them and their valuable work in providing educational opportunities to their communities and celebrate the power libraries and museums can have across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 2017 finalists of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:<\/p>\n

Libraries<\/em><\/p>\n