ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 13, Number 2
January 23, 2004

In This Issue: Laura Bush Presents 2003 National Awards for Museum and Library Service

First Lady Laura Bush presented the 2003 National Awards for Museum and Library Service yesterday in a ceremony in the East Room of the White House.  Individuals from across the nation who have benefited from programs offered at their local public libraries and museums accepted the awards and representatives from the winning libraries and museums were also present.  The winning libraries for 2003 are the Bozeman Public Library, Bozeman, Montana; the Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the Pocahontas County Free Libraries, Marlington, West Virginia.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) gives the annual awards to libraries and museums that demonstrate outstanding public service to their communities.  Each organization also receives a $10,000 cash award.

In her remarks, Mrs. Bush said that when she was a child, the Midland [Texas] Public Library was her favorite place to go to spend time reading with her mother. She called libraries and museums "the centers of learning in our communities."  Her commitment and the commitment of the President to strengthen public libraries was demonstrated by Mrs. Bush's announcement of increased funding for IMLS in the President's 2005 budget.  The President proposes a 14 percent increase for IMLS above the 2004 figures in the omnibus appropriations bill passed by the Senate on January 22.  The President also proposes an increase of $12 million for the Library Grants Program, and over $3 million for the 21st Century Librarian Program.  

Dr. Robert Martin, Director of IMLS, thanked Mrs. Bush and the Administration for their continued support of libraries and museums.

American Library Association President Dr. Carla Hayden was present at the ceremony along with many members of the library and museum communities.



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