U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has selected Skidompha Library in Damariscotta to receive the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries.
Skidompha is one of only five libraries in the United States and its territories to receive the medal this year.
"The Skidompha Library is an outstanding library that serves not only as a center of learning, but as a gathering place for residents in the Damariscotta region,” said Senator Collins. “I commend the librarians, administrators, volunteers, and patrons of the library for their hard work to make the Skidompha Library worthy of this prestigious honor."
IMLS awards the National Medal to 10 institutions annually for outstanding community outreach programs. The Skidompha Library received the award for its community reading initiative, Books in Motion; its programming and materials geared to the retired population of Damariscotta; and its Literacy Circle classes that promote adult literacy. According to the IMLS, the Skidompha Library may serve a relatively small population in Maine, but through its innovative and thoughtful programming, Skidompha has made a name for itself as one of the best public libraries in the state.
"Selection as a recipient of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Services is a matter of great pride for Skidompha Library,” said Pam Gormley, Executive Director of the Skidompha Library. “But more, it is a significant honor and a tribute to the people of our community. They are the ones who make Skidompha more than a library. In addition to the community's extensive use of our educational and literacy services, Skidompha serves as the venue for many local clubs and organizations, a convenient meeting place for friends, and a unique, year-round setting for musical and theatrical events.”
“By its example, the Skidompha Library shows us the kind of influence and impact that libraries can have on community life. Through its innovative programs and active partnerships, the Library addresses the urgent and changing needs of the community it serves,” said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS Director.
The National Medal awards are made every year by IMLS, the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries. Each organization will also be honored in an upcoming ceremony in Washington, D.C., and will receive a $10,000 award. This is the second year that IMLS has awarded medals to 10 institutions. 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.