White House Colloquium on Libraries, Museums, and Lifelong
Learning
Laura Bush recognizes the key role that continued learning and discovery play in the
lives of both young people and adults. Through events such as the National Book Festival,
her visits to our nation's cultural institutions, and literary dialogues at the White
House, she is working to encourage Americans to take advantage of the remarkable
resources for lifelong learning available in our nation's libraries and museums.
The White House Conference on School Libraries held in June 2002 called attention to the
critical role libraries play in a child's academic success. The Colloquium focused on the
important role libraries and museums play in our communities. The program also honored
some special institutions that are strengthening ties between neighbors and enriching
family and community life through their efforts.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services' National Awards for Museum and Library
Service honors outstanding museums and libraries that demonstrate an ongoing
institutional commitment to public service. Recipients exhibit innovative approaches to
public service, reaching beyond the expected levels of community outreach and core
programs generally associated with libraries and museums. These national awards pay
tribute to museums and libraries that make a real difference in individuals' lives,
improve communities, and make our nation a better place in which to live.
The awards were created in 1994 to underscore the powerful role of museums and libraries
as leaders in our democratic society. The winners are as diverse as the cultural
landscape of our country-small and large, urban and rural. They have one thing in common:
they have each found new and effective ways to make serving the community central to
their mission and to help foster opportunities for lifelong learning.
Related Links:
Colloquium and Speeches
(266k)
Colloquium Program (482)
IMLS Award Links:
2002 IMLS
awards
White House
Conference
info from IMLS
2001 Announcement IMLS
Awards
2001 Cancellation IMLS
Awards
