On Wednesday, Michelle Obama presented 10 institutions around the U.S. with the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, saying libraries and museums were helping to create better informed citizens and with fewer resources. The presentation took place at the White House in the East Room.
"You help people across this country become more informed and engaged in our communities. You teach our young people about our history, and you inspire them to play a role in shaping our future. And I know this work isn't easy — not at all. I know that many of our libraries and museums are dealing with tight budgets and juggling more and more demands with fewer resources," Obama said during the ceremony. "But instead of scaling back your missions, you all are expanding them. You're reaching out to underserved populations, taking on issues like poverty and illiteracy. You're partnering with schools and community organizations, finding new ways to share your resources as widely as possible."
The recipients for this year's award are:
-Boston Children's Museum

-Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio

-Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Miss.

-Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, Calif.

-Marshalltown (Iowa ) Public Library

-National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

-Pierce County Library System in Tacoma, Wash.

-Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County in Ohio

-Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) Public Library

-Waukegan (Ill.) Public Library
The National Medal for Museum and Library Service honors those institutions that have gone above and beyond in their contributions for their communities. Recipients were nominated by the public and chosen for their success in community outreach. The non-profit StoryCorps will then visit each winner's community to document and share their stories.
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