501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
The Central Arkansas Library System Named Finalist for 2022 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service
LITTLE ROCK, AR—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that the Central Arkansas Library System is among 30 finalists for the 2022 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is the only institution in Arkansas to be selected as a finalist for this award.
“The Central Arkansas Library System’s staff members dedicate themselves every day to providing resources and services that help residents fulfill their needs and potential,” said Nate Coulter, CALS’s Executive Director. “This recognition is a testament to their professionalism and passion. CALS is honored to be a finalist for the 2022 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service. And we are grateful to the taxpayers, partners, board members, donors, and volunteers whose investment and support make CALS such a trusted and loved community institution.”
The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.
CALS has a large portfolio of programs designed to eliminate barriers, such as Be Mighty Little Rock (which served 44,603 meals from library branches in 2021); Rock It! Lab (a center that democratizes access to entrepreneurship); and Count UP (which provides free math tutoring).
“So many museums, so many libraries have done such good work over the last two very difficult years. We are proud to present the 30 finalists for the IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Their work is emblematic of the response of the library and museum worlds to simultaneously fulfilling their mission and serving their communities.”
To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging the CALS’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.
National Medal winners will be announced in early June. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during a virtual National Medal Ceremony this summer.
To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
