Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Announcement
http://www.imls.gov/news/2007/110607.shtm
Georgetown County Library, Georgetown, South Carolina and Memphis Public Library & Information Center, Memphis, Tennessee Are Among Five Libraries Receiving the Nation’s Highest Honor for Extraordinary Community Service. Institutions will be honored in Washington, D.C. ceremony and receive a $10,000 award.
Five museums and five libraries have been selected for the 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for the extraordinary public service provided by these institutions, announced Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. In keeping with the 2007 name change to the National Medal for Museum and Library Service (previously known as the National Award), recipient institutions will be awarded a newly-minted medal in recognition of their extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions. Each organization will also be honored in a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., and receive a $10,000 award.
Georgetown County Library: As part of its information service to 60,000 citizens, the Georgetown County Library joined with the Medical University of South Carolina and the Charleston County Library in a “Reach 2010” effort to teach poorer, rural residents to use online Internet databases such as MEDLINE® to access health resources. In May 2006, this collaboration won the first-place Health Information Award for Libraries from the United States National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.
Furthermore, the library system is a key member of the Georgetown County First Steps Partnership which aims to prepare preschoolers to be emotionally, intellectually, and physically ready for first grade. As part of this aim, the library established book collections in 42 childcare centers throughout the county. For a time, it also collaborated with the county’s recreation department to provide motor skills activities appropriate for tots.
“We at the Georgetown County Library have a pride of place,” said Library Director Dwight McInvaill, “and we want Georgetown County to succeed fully for the benefit of all citizens.” http://www.gclibrary.org/documents/2007-IMLS_PressRelease.pdf
