WASHINGTON, DC--Institute of Museum and Library Services Director Anne-Imelda Radice, PhD, bestowed on First Lady Laura Bush the first National Medal for Museum and Library Service at the White House January 14. Mrs. Bush deserves the newly-minted medal for her tireless championing of the nation’s museums and libraries, Radice said at a ceremony celebrating the 10 winners of the 2007 National Medals for Museum and Library Service.
The National Medals are the nation’s highest awards for museums and libraries that make exceptional contributions to their communities. The awards are made annually by IMLS, the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries, in coordination with the White House. This is the first year that IMLS has awarded medals to the 10 institutions along with a $10,000 prize; in previous years, the National Medal was known as the National Award for Museum and Library Service and was awarded to three museums and three libraries.
Five libraries and five museums from Alabama, California, Illinois, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington DC, Oregon, and Vermont received the National Medals.
South Carolina’s Georgetown County Library has emerged as a national treasure by inspiring residents to embrace their heritage and to dream of a bright future armed with literacy, pride, and knowledge.
In a county where illiteracy in some areas approached 30 percent, and poverty hovered around 16 percent, Georgetown County Library succeeded by launching programs designed to encourage all residents, regardless of age or background, to think big and to ponder big questions.
Library leaders have planned and produced lectures, exhibitions, documentaries, oral-history videos, storytelling, dance, and music to bring residents together on the topic of race and reconciliation.
To bolster preschool education, the Georgetown County Library has established a curriculum, donated collections of 30-60 books to 42 childcare centers, given personal books each quarter to 630 preschoolers, and provided the services of a countywide storyteller. An Adult Literacy Council helps adults learn how to read, while continuing-education courses help dozens of parents and educators gain credits in everything from medical issues to computer resources. While looking to the past for perspective and inspiration, Georgetown County Library has never stopped looking forward to make life better for its patrons.
“This is a tremendous honor for Georgetown County Library and a testament to the wonderful work it is doing to celebrate the diverse history of the county,” said U.S. Representative James E. Clyburn (D-SC). “As the husband of a retired librarian, I appreciate the extraordinary work they are doing in Georgetown County, and this award reflects their dedication to innovative and enriching programs and services.”
“Congratulations to the Georgetown County Library for receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service," said U.S. Representative Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC). "Georgetown County is included in the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, which recognizes the important contributions made by Africans and African-Americans who settled in the coastal region of South Carolina, as well as Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. The library’s success in community outreach efforts and in showcasing the accomplishments of all those who contributed to our cultural heritage is evidenced in the receipt of this award.”
“This is a well-deserved honor for the Georgetown County Library,” said U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). “I appreciate the commitment of the staff and the support of the community in making the Georgetown County Library one of the nation’s best.”
Community Member George Geer -- Sharing his Love of Reading
The Georgetown County Library has made George Geer into the man that he is today. From the time he was old enough to sit upright, Geer attended puppet shows and story times at the library. The library became a second home, where he learned the value of a free and open information source to a democratic society. The desire to share this discovery spurred Geer to obtain a master’s degree in English literature and to teach high school English and journalism.
For more information, please visit http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/011408.shtm.
