Children's Museum of Tacoma named as IMLS National Medal finalist

Institute of Museum and Library Services Announces Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a Finalist for the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Tacoma, Washington (March 3, 2014) – The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced the Children’s Museum of Tacoma as National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist. The National Medal, the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community, is celebrating its 20th year of saluting institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

Medal finalists are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. This year’s finalists exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include an aquarium, conservatory and botanical gardens, a university library, individual libraries, children’s museums, art museums, science centers, and more, hailing from across the country.

“Museums and libraries serve as civic gathering places, bringing together individuals in pursuit of educational resources, community connections, skills development, and multifaceted lifelong learning,” said Susan Hildreth, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are very proud to announce the Children’s Museum of Tacoma as a finalist for the 2014 National Medal.  This year’s National Medal finalists illustrate the many ways museums and libraries can excite lifelong learning and civic engagement.”

Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. The Children’s Museum of Tacoma’s contributions to the community through programs like Pay As You Will admission, the Play to Learn outreach program, and Growing Together initiatives are recognized as programs that lead the nation in innovation, response to community need, and accessibility.

Steve Maxwell, KeyBank market president in South Puget Sound, says this about his company’s investment in Pay As You Will admission: “As a banker, I care about economic self-sufficiency and I know that comes from education. Pay as You Will makes it possible for all children, even those with parents of limited means, to access the museum's resources and benefit from the power of play. We at KeyBank see our support as an important investment in our community's children and it is gratifying to see that IMLS also recognizes this innovative approach to community service.”

IMLS and the Children’s Museum of Tacoma encourage community members who have visited the museum to share their story on the IMLS Facebook page, www.facebook.com/USIMLS.