Tulsa City-County Library named finalist for National Medal for Museum and Library Service

The Tulsa City-County Library is among the finalists for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

The library system was one of 30 finalists named by the Institute of Museum and Library Service on Monday.

“We are extremely proud of our staff and volunteers for achieving this great recognition,” said Kim Johnson, library CEO.

The award honors institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and positively affecting individuals, families and communities.

“What we’ve been able to do is bring value to the customers who use the library,” Johnson said. “We’re always looking at ways to add value to their lives, whether through recreational or educational use.”

The library system offers nearly 2 million resources throughout its 24 locations.

While reading will always be a library cornerstone, the system has looked at ways to provide its customers with materials in various formats that match their habits including audio books, eBooks and online streaming of music and magazines, Johnson said.

The library system also provides free 3D printing and flight simulator access.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.

The National Medal awards have recognized libraries and museums for 23 years.

“The 2017 National Medal finalists represent the leading museums and libraries that serve as catalysts for change in their communities,” said Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“It is our honor to recognize 30 notable institutions for the work they do in reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning and in turn improving the lives of individuals, families and communities.

“We salute them and their valuable work in providing educational opportunities to their community and celebrate the power libraries and museums can have across the country.”

Winners of the competition will be announced later this spring at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“This is the nation’s top award and it’s an honor to be a finalist,” Johnson said. “The recognition that we are one of the top libraries in the nation really bodes well for Tulsa County and its residents.”