FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2006

Press Contacts
202-653-4628
Kevin O'Connell, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask]

Three Museums and Three Libraries to Receive Nation's Highest Honor for
Extraordinary Community Service

Institutions to Receive $10,000 and to be Honored at Ceremony in
Nation's Capital

Washington, DC--Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the federal Institute
of Museum and Library Services, announced the 2006 recipients of the
National Awards for Museum and Library Service. This is the nation's
highest honor for the extraordinary public service provided by these
institutions. Each organization will receive $10,000 and will be honored
at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., on a date to be determined.

"As the primary source of federal funding for the nation's libraries and
museums, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is proud to honor
institutions that have dared to set high goals for community service and
to attain them," said Dr. Radice. "These museums and libraries have
listened to their communities, heard their needs, and responded. They
make a real difference."

Recognizing the vital role of museums and libraries in American society,
the Institute makes annual awards to museums and libraries that exhibit
outstanding service to their communities. The National Award for Museum
and Library Service honors institutions for extraordinary civic,
educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.

The winners of the 2006 National Awards for Museum and Library Service
are:

Artrain USA, Ann Arbor, MI: www.imls.gov/news/2006/111506_artrain.shtm
Frankfort Community Public Library, Frankfort, IN:
www.imls.gov/news/2006/111506_frankfort.shtm
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL:
www.imls.gov/news/2006/111506_shedd.shtm
Lincoln Children's Zoo, Lincoln, NE:
www.imls.gov/news/2006/111506_lincoln.shtm
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC:
www.imls.gov/news/2006/111506_charlotte.shtm
San Antonio Public Library, San Antonio, TX:
www.imls.gov/news/2006/111506_sanantonio.shtm

The Institute of Museum and Library Services has a unique vantage point
of the vital role these institutions play in American society. The
National Awards for Museum and Library Service were created to
underscore that role. The winners are as diverse as the cultural
landscape of our country: small and large, urban and rural. They have
one thing in common: they have each found innovative ways to make
serving their community central to their mission. "We are proud to honor
our 2006 National Museum and Library Service Award recipients for their
extraordinary public service," said Dr. Radice.

Click the following link to view past recipients of the National Awards:

www.imls.gov/results.asp?program=1005,1006&description=on&sort=year

To nominate a museum or library for the 2007 National Awards for Museum
and Library Service, (application deadline is February 15, 2007), see
www.imls.gov/about/awards.shtm.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit: www.imls.gov

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