Memphis Public Library & Information Center, Memphis, Tennessee

www.memphislibrary.org
Press Contact: Lillian Johnson, (901) 415-2846

Left to right: Mrs. Laura Bush, Division Director E. Keenon McCloy, community member Aurelia Kyles, and IMLS Director Anne Radice. Click image for a larger version.

With 19 locations and 114 years of experience, it is safe to assume that the Memphis Public Library & Information Center in Tennessee knows a thing or two about the community it serves. Yet, the extent to which the library reaches out to patrons, not only through innovative programs held at each branch, but through vehicles like its own community-based radio and television stations, demonstrates a commitment to Memphis, Barlett, and Shelby County residents that goes above and beyond the average public library system.

This past year, the Memphis Public Library system recorded more than 3 million visits, up 4.3 percent from the prior year, and sponsored nearly 3,000 programs, averaging 26 participants per course. This success can be attributed to the library’s own mission to “satisfy the customer’s need to know.”

With literacy remaining one of the greatest obstacles for the Memphis Public Library community, the library system has focused many of its outreach efforts on helping residents improve their reading proficiency. InfoBUS, for example, sends a colorful, 40-foot bus to visit neighborhoods with high immigrant populations to offer library services and help with assimilation, while the Read to Erase Your Fines project allows kids who have lost their library privileges due to overdue fines to be reinstated by reading to seniors. Last year, meanwhile, the library petitioned the State of Tennessee to become the area’s 2-1-1 information provider, giving callers timely updates and information pertinent to the Memphis community.

The Memphis Public Library has an impeccable reputation for gauging the needs and interests of the community it serves, and through its many outreach activities, has improved the quality of life for its patrons, both young and old.

U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN) nominated Memphis Public Library for the award. He said, “I take immense pride in the recognition of our own Memphis Public Library & Information Center for their outstanding service to the City of Memphis by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. IMLS ought to be commended for awarding their distinguished National Medal to our library system, and I offer my sincerest congratulations to the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Memphis Public Libraries. This honor is long overdue.

"The Memphis Public Library system has long been distinguished by the wide array of programs and services it offers to the community with extremely limited resources. From the mobile InfoBUS and employment-finding services to its award-winning health information services and excellent broadcasting on television and radio, the Memphis Public Library system continually impacts the lives of the citizens of Shelby County in a positive way. For nearly 115 years, Memphians’ thirst for knowledge has been quenched on South Front Street at the Cossitt-Goodwyn Institute, which still stands at the same location and serves as one of the 18 library branches. In 2001, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library opened its doors and brought the system into the 21st Century with a bang. I still get chills when I walk into that building – the beautiful architecture, the wealth of information at your fingertips, and the helpful and friendly staff make us all proud to be Memphians.”

U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) said, “This is a very prestigious, highly competitive national award and I’m so proud of the work the Memphis Public Library & Information Center put into receiving it. The Memphis library system has gone above and beyond, showing an extraordinary commitment and innovative approach to providing a broad range of valuable resources and services to benefit all ages and all walks of life. I congratulate them and thank them for bringing one of the 2007 National Medals for Museum and Library Service home to Tennessee.”

Community Member Aurelia Kyles -- A Mission-Driven Life
When she moved to Memphis 20 years ago, the Memphis Public Library helped Aurelia Kyles and her family to become part of their new community. Kyles watched her daughter’s skills strengthen through her involvement with the library and, over the years, she came to rely on the library to help fulfill her volunteer roles. As a church leader in a medium-size, African-American congregation, she shows the church leaders and congregation how to access library resources for needed community information and referral services.