HARDWICK – The Institute of Museum and Library Services has announced that Jeudevine Memorial Library is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Jeudevine Memorial Library is the only institution in Vermont to be selected as a finalist for this award.
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.
Jodi Lew-Smith, chair of the Jeudevine Board of Trustees, says, “Being a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service is a huge honor both for the library and the wider community. We are a small but close community that has battled to keep our library open and vibrant. The library has repaid this support with a steady supply of knowledge and engagement in community life. We are now on the brink of putting a long-awaited addition to our gem of a library, which will only expand what the library can offer back to the community. We are honored to be recognized for this work.”
“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 the Jeudevine’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
