FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - Laura Bush presented the 2003 National Awards for Museum and Library Service to three libraries and three museums from across the country in a White House ceremony yesterday afternoon. The awards are conferred annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and recognize the recipients for their outstanding service to the public. Each organization also receives $10,000.

At the ceremony, Laura Bush announced that the President’s budget would include an increase for the Institute of Museum and Library Services saying, “President Bush and I are committed to strengthening America's libraries and museums. In his 2005 budget, the President has proposed a 14 percent increase for IMLS. President Bush has also proposed an increase of $12 million for the Library Grants Program, and over $3 million for the 21st Century Librarian Program. With this additional funding, IMLS can continue to support museums and libraries and a nation of lifelong learners. And supporting lifelong learning is the ultimate goal of museums and libraries today.”

The awards ceremony celebrated our nation of learners. Individuals from around the country whose lives have changed for the better because of the services and programs at their local museums or library were at the White House. They accepted the award along with the Directors of the winning museums and libraries. Profiles of the winning organizations and photographs of the award representatives are available at: http://www.imls.gov/whatsnew/03archive/102103.htm.

2003 National Awards for Museum and Library Services Recipients

Massachusetts:
• USS CONSTITUTION Museum (Boston)

Montana:
• Bozeman Public Library (Bozeman)

Pennsylvania:
• Carnegie Science Center (Pittsburgh)
• Free Library of Philadelphia (Philadelphia)

Texas:
• San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts (San Angelo)

West Virginia:
• Pocahontas County Free Libraries (Marlinton)

Laura Bush, a passionate advocate for the educational opportunities the nation’s libraries and museums provide, said, “The museums and libraries we honor today have developed innovative partnerships and programs for learners of all ages, from babies to baby boomers to seniors. Thanks to these museums and libraries, Americans of all ages are discovering the greatest lesson of all, and that is learning is lifelong.”

The National Awards for Museum and Library Service honor institutions for their exemplary social, educational, environmental, or economic contributions to their communities. “Through partnerships with schools, businesses, social service agencies, and many other groups, these museums and libraries have uplifted lives, improved neighborhoods, and made our nation better,” said Dr. Robert S. Martin, Director of the Institute. To learn more about the awards and apply, please access http://www.imls.gov/grants/museum/mus_nams.asp for museums and http://www.imls.gov/grants/library/lib_nals.htm for libraries.

Laura Bush concluded her remarks quoting the nation’s fourth President, “President James Madison said, ‘what spectacle could be more edifying or more seasonable than that of liberty of learning, each leaning against the other for their mutual and surest support…’ America's museums and libraries will forever support the principles that make our country strong and free and they will continue to light the way to liberty and learning for generations to come.”

The celebration of the 2003 National Awards for Museum and Library Service is made possible by 3M Library Systems, EBSCO Information Services, Metal Edge, Inc., netLibrary, and Southwest Museum Services.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent Federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners. The Institute fosters leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's 15,000 museums and 122,000 libraries. The Institute also encourages partnerships to expand the educational benefit of libraries and museums. To learn more about the Institute, please log onto: http://www.imls.gov