d ir ecto r ’s m e ssag e
IMLS National
Medal Finalist
In mid-February we learned that our Library
is a finalist for The Institute of Museum and
Library Services (IMLS) National Medal for
Museum and Library Service. The National
Medal is the nation’s highest honor conferred
on museums and libraries for service to the
community and celebrates institutions that
make a difference for individuals, families,
and communities.
Medal finalists are selected from nationwide
nominations of institutions that demonstrate
innovative approaches to public service,
exceeding the expected levels of community
outreach. Finalists are chosen because
of their significant and exceptional
contributions to their communities.
So, in 2012, we worked with
Cincinnati Public Schools and
the Freestore/Foodbank to offer
summer lunches at 14 Library
locations. Together we served
6,700 lunches to children at
these locations. This is a program
we plan to continue because
it is hard for a hungry child
to pay attention and learn. A
food program can make all the
difference in a child’s success.
We know that a good education
is crucial to getting out of poverty.
Data tell us that students who
are prepared for kindergarten
and reading at grade level by grade three
While it is always wonderful to receive
are more likely to succeed academically and
recognition for the work we do, especially
in life. We have developed a whole range of
on a national level, our true motivation
programs to get children off to a good start
comes from knowing that we are making a
in kindergarten and keeping them reading at
difference in our
grade level. From
community.
Summer Reading
“When we learn of an issue
programs to Brain
The specific
Camps to extra
services
like the high rate of childhood
teacher collections
mentioned in
for schools with
our nomination
more students
poverty in Cincinnati, the third
deal with three
reading below
community issues:
grade level to
highest in the country, we don’t
childhood poverty,
visits to in home
adult education,
childcare providers,
just accept it. We set about
and grade level
we are putting our
reading. When we
resources to work
learn of an issue
changing it.”
for the good of our
like the high rate of
community.
childhood poverty
in Cincinnati, the
The IMLS Award winners will be announced
third highest in the country, we don’t just
later this spring. Whether or not we
accept it. We set about changing it.
are selected for the award, we will keep
developing and offering services that meet
It may not be immediately obvious how our
these important community needs.
Library can have an impact on something like
childhood poverty. But I believe we can have
IMLS is encouraging community members
an impact. To do so, we looked at services
who have visited the Public Library of
that would address the two sides of this coin:
Cincinnati and Hamilton County to share
meeting the immediate needs of children
their story on the IMLS Facebook page,
living in poverty and providing educational
www.facebook.com/USIMLS. Visit the IMLS
opportunities that would lift children out
Facebook page to learn more about how
of poverty.
these institutions make an impact.
2
LibraryLinks | Spring 2013
sp e ak u p!
Share Your Library
Story & the
Reason You Think
We Should WIN!
Each day the Institute of
Museum and Library Services
will be highlighting one of the
finalists on Facebook. Our day to
be featured is Thursday, March
21. Share your Library story on
their wall and the reason you
think our Library should win.
Tell them how the Library has
made a difference in your life at
www.facebook.com/USIMLS.