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For the first time, a city has won the top awards for museums and libraries from the prestigious Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Children’s Museum Houston and the Harris County Public Library (HCPL) are two of 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal of Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor in the field. It is also the city’s first victory since 1997.

“IMLS is pleased to announce the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal of Museum and Library Service,” IMLS Interim Director Cyndee Landrum said in a statement. “These institutions and their dedicated staff are mobilizing to anticipate and respond to the needs of their individual communities. From New York to Arizona, these 10 recipients are unprecedented sources of education, health, jobs and cultural resources, bridging gaps in distance, resources and experience for community members. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, DC, this summer! »

Founded by parents in 1980, Children’s Museum Houston is a world-class facility that houses 83,000 square feet of educational interactions, including science labs, the popular Kidtropolis professional learning street, cultural awareness exhibits and sections crafts. He was nominated for the medal by U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Tricia Zucker of the UTHealth Children’s Learning Institute, Paul Martin of Arizona State University and Kristi Rangel of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board for his numerous collaborations with universities , hospitals and other Houston. institutions to create content for its more than 700,000 annual visitors.

“Earning the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service alongside the Harris County Public Library is a remarkable achievement for Houston’s children and families,” said Rayanne Darensbourg, CEO of Children’s Museum Houston. “For the Museum, this award symbolizes our success in ensuring that every family has access to the best exhibits and programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, literacy, culture and art, thereby enabling children to dream big and reach their full potential. Together with the Harris County Public Library, we have made history and together we will continue to inspire, educate and empower generations to come.

Lee was joined by fellow Assemblywoman Lizzie Fletcher in naming the Harris County Public Library. This award highlights the incredible progress the library has made toward equity over the years. Use Emergency Connectivity Fund grants to provide laptops and 5G hotspots to 70,000 residents without internet access. It’s part of a much broader set of programs that serve low-income, incarcerated, non-English-speaking residents and others who may have difficulty accessing public services for work or school.

“It is truly gratifying to be recognized by the Institute of Museum and Library Service for the work we do to strengthen the communities of Houston and Harris County,” said Edward Melton, executive director of HCPL. “This award is a resounding confirmation of our belief that public libraries and children’s museums should be a driving force for positive change. HCPL and CMH are committed to identifying and meeting the evolving needs of all the communities we serve.