WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today congratulated Waterville Public Library for receiving the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS). The award, which is given to only ten institutions nationwide each year, is the highest honor the nation bestows upon museums and libraries for exceptional service to America’s communities.

“For more than 120 years, the Waterville Public Library has been a pillar of the community, providing critical information and services to Waterville residents,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “We applaud the library’s array of efforts to strengthen the Waterville area economy and community, and congratulate them on receiving this highly-prestigious and well-deserved recognition.”

Waterville Public Library's Director Sarah Sugden, along with community member, Eve Sotirou, accepted the award during the IMLS’s National Medal Ceremony today at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Waterville Public Library Board President Cindy Jacobs, as well as a staff representatives for Senators Collins and King, attended. IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, along with renowned journalist and reporter, Cokie Roberts, presented the award.  Senators Collins and King also met with Cindy Jacobs to congratulate her as well as the library’s staff and volunteers on receiving the award.

IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. The National Medal for Museum and Library is awarded by the IMLS to institutions that make exceptional contributions to their community’s educational development, enhancement of civic life, enrichment of cultural learning, and advancement of workforce development.

In addition to receiving the National Medal, the ten winners will each be awarded $5,000. StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the experiences of Americans, will also visit the winning institutions to provide an opportunity for community members to record their stories, which will be saved in the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center.

Senators Collins and King wrote a letter in support of Waterville Public Library’s nomination last fall.

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