library staff with 2022 finalist banner

Great big shoutout to our local library for their success!  It takes a village!

INDEPENDENCE, Kan.—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that Independence Public Library is among 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Independence Public Library is the only institution in Kansas to be selected as a finalist for this award.

“We are honored to be selected by the Institute as a National Medal finalist,” said Independence Public Library Director Jeri Kay Hopkins. “These challenging times provided us with many opportunities to empathize with our community and fearlessly innovate our services. This prestigious nomination inspires us to continue to create possibilities through entrepreneurial thinking. We are thrilled and excited to be recognized as a 2022 finalist.”

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.

“So many museums, so many libraries have done such good work over the last two very difficult years. We are proud to present the 30 finalists for the IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Their work is emblematic of the response of the library and museum worlds to simultaneously fulfilling their mission and serving their communities.”

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Independence Public Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

National Medal winners will be announced in early June. 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.