For the Rapids City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Institute of Museum and Library Services has announced that McMillan Memorial Library is among the 30 finalists for the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. This is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant, innovative, and exceptional contributions to their communities.

McMillan’s application highlighted a tradition of building community and meeting local needs. Their program includes concerts, foreign films, and art displays. The facility has a social commons, environmental learning station, maker space, podcast studio, coffeehouse, and 235 kW solar roof. The Youth Services space is modeled after a children’s museum, with many hands-on activities.

The staff initiated and operates an online community calendar. Their digital archives range from corporate newsletters to plat books, maps, and photographs. Many of McMillan’s innovations have been in response to their numerous community partners, the fruit of an “outward facing” staff initiative.

Library Director Andy Barnett said “McMillan’s selection as an IMLS National Medal Finalist gives us the opportunity to celebrate the many community partners who have enriched our program. If McMillan is an exceptional library, it is because we have received exceptional support from our community.”

National Medal winners will be announced at the end of April. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored at the National Medal Ceremony on June 12 in Washington, D.C.