News Room

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that Redwood City Public Library is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Redwood City Public Library is the only institution in California to be selected as a finalist for this award.

"The revival and reinstitution of the National Medals by IMLS is another signal of recovery and renewal in the nation’s very challenging—but very hopeful—times,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “We are celebrating not only the ongoing excellence of the best of our museums and libraries, but their extraordinary efforts through the pandemic, the recession, the racial justice protests, and national divisions to serve, heal, and bring together our communities. Congratulations to all 30 finalists."

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

“Redwood City Public Library has always taken great pride in its creative and innovative approaches to fulfill its mission to cultivate community by welcoming all people to experience the shared joys of literacy and learning,” said Diane Howard, Mayor of Redwood City. “The Library’s success in working toward its community aspirations of inclusion, equity, awareness, safety, and education has always been meaningful to our community, but the library’s services were truly a lifeline for residents during the incredible challenges of this past year. We are genuinely honored and delighted by this recognition for our extraordinary library.”

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Redwood City Public Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media as part of the Share Your Story campaign, using the #IMLSmedals hashtag, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

National Medal winners will be announced in late spring. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.

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 libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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