WASHINGTON — Drumroll, please! The DC Public Library has snagged the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, and it was a celebration to remember.
The celebration was held at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan accepted the award on behalf of the library.
Who were the VIPs at this shindig? Picture this: City Council Chair Phil Mendelson, At-Large Member Christina Henderson, and Antonio Williams, chair of the DC Public Library Board of Trustees. The DC Public Library Foundation's dynamic duo, Susan Haight and Marquett Smith, and their partner in crime, Executive Director Robert Harman, were there too. Let's not forget Susan Talley, a library supporter extraordinaire.
“Celebrating the National Medal with a few of DC Public Library’s key stakeholders is a special opportunity to offer thanks for their support,” said Reyes-Gavilan. “I hope it offers them the opportunity to reflect on their meaningful contributions to the Library’s accomplishments.”
So, why did the DC Public Library get this top honor? From stepping up during the Covid-19 chaos to rolling out cool programs like "Beyond the Book" and giving the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library a fab makeover, officials say the library has been knocking it out of the park.
This medal not only pats the library on the back for its accomplishments, but paves the way for more cool stuff ahead. It's a testament to the dedicated staff, supportive partners, and vibrant community that keep the library thriving.
And here’s the cherry on top: the library's dropped a YouTube video, "Find Your Story Live." This video highlights all the fantastic things happening at the library.
You can watch it below: