Phipps Conservatory (Photo credit: bmward_2000)
Pittsburgh, Pa. — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today announced Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens of Pittsburgh, Pa., as a National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist. The National Medal, the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for community service, will be celebrating its 20th year of saluting institutions that make a difference.
Medal finalists are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. This year’s finalists exemplify the nation’s great diversity of libraries and museums and include an aquarium, conservatory and botanical gardens, a university library, individual libraries, children’s museums, art museums, science centers and more, hailing from across the country.
“Museums and libraries serve as civic gathering places, bringing together individuals in pursuit of educational resources, community connections, skills development and multifaceted lifelong learning,” says Susan Hildreth, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We are very proud to announce Phipps as a finalist for the 2014 National Medal. This year’s finalists illustrate the many ways museums and libraries can excite lifelong learning and civic engagement.”
“Museums are in a unique position to create change, a role that we take to heart at Phipps in everything we do — from our operations and guest services to the sustainable ways we build and manage our gardens,” says Richard V. Piacentini, executive director of Phipps. “With our mission to promote the well-being of people and the planet, Let’s Move Pittsburgh and Homegrown initiatives for families, and green, healthy living education programs, we are deeply committed to bettering our community and the world. We are very honored to be recognized for these efforts by the IMLS.”
Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited Phipps to share their stories at www.facebook.com/USIMLS. National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners will be announced this spring. Learn more about the finalists at www.imls.gov/medals.
About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.
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