We’re proud to announce another incredible honor we’ve received: The National Medal for Museum and Library Service (IMLS), given for extraordinary community service. It’s considered the nation’s highest honor for libraries and museums.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues the award, celebrates organizations that make a difference in the lives of the people in their community. Our Job Help Centers, Homework Help Centers and Ready to Read Corps were recognized as services that do just that.

In issuing the award, the IMLS Director, Susan Hildreth, said of CML: “The work you have done is an inspiration to libraries and museums throughout the nation. With innovation, creativity and a great deal of heart, you have achieved an outstanding level of service.”

This recognition follows an unparalleled list of accolades: 2010 National Library of the Year; #1 Hennen ranking in 1999, 2005 and 2008; Library Journal’s top spot on the 5-Star rating in 2009 and 2010. CML is the only library in the country to receive all four of these honors, and this achievement validates the important work we do to transform this community into a thriving one “where wisdom prevails.”