Remarks at the National Medal for
Museum and Library Service Ceremony
The White House, Washington, DC
Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice
January 14, 2008
Thank you so much. Once again, thank you for your very,
very kind introduction and for graciously hosting today's
celebration. It is the highest honor to hold this ceremony
in such a historic and elegant surrounding, and to have
you here to share this. One former president famously
equipped that true friendships in Washington can be
a rare thing. But in you, Mrs. Bush, libraries and museums
have perhaps their truest friend than most tireless
champion. Your leadership and unflagging advocacy on
behalf of literacy, culture, children, and families
are resource of constant inspiration.
As advances in technology and demands of the public
constantly alter the landscape upon which libraries
and museums operate, you've been here with us every
step of the way. The White House Conference On School
Libraries, the National Book Festival, the President’s
Helping America's Youth Initiative and our own Laura
Bush 21st Century Librarian Program have all flourished
largely because of you, all of had a meaningful impact
on the people we in this room serve.
Your greeting and involvement in our first ever Connecting
to Collections Conservation Summit sent a strong message
about history and community and the legacy we hope to
leave the next generation. I know I speak for everyone
here when I say how very proud we are to call you our
First Lady.
(applause)
And, of course, I can think of no better person to
help bring in this year's class of outstanding medalists.
In addition to the people in this room, I'd also like
to gratefully acknowledge the contribution of AT&T,
3M, The History Channel and Metal Edge because this
would not have been possible without them as well.
(applause)
Mrs. Bush was very eloquent in her discussion about
some of the achievements of our medalists, but we have
a brief video presentation to tell you even more. (see
a transcript of the video at http://www.imls.gov/pdf/2007_Medals_Script.pdf,
PDF, 21KB)
The IMLS awards are not always about the organizations
with the newest building or the newest state-of-the-art
technology. Rather, they are about the museums and libraries
that make the deepest connection with their communities
by inspiring among their visitors a lifelong love of
reading and culture. When we present the awards, we
asked each of our honorees to be represented not only
by their chief operating officer or board chairman,
but also by a member of the community who has thrived
in some way because of the outstanding work of these
exemplary institutions.
As you saw on the video presentation, our mission at
the Institute of Museum and Library Services is to build
strong libraries and museums that connect people to
information and ideas. We do this by working with these
institutions to sustain cultural heritage, nurture innovation,
enhance learning, and support professional development.
In all of these ways, the best museums and libraries
in America, ten of whom we honor today, allow and encourage
our citizens to stay connected to the knowledge they
need for their own success and that of our nation.
I'm now honored, since this is a first, to present the
very first ever National Medal for Museum and Library
Service, designed by one of our wonderful staff members
Ellen Arnold, to a woman who needs no introduction,
our dear First Lady.
(applause)
