The Haines Borough Public Library is one of 30 finalists for the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, a recognition director Patricia Brown credits to the library’s innovative programs, dedicated volunteers and hardworking staff.
The award is presented annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to institutions that demonstrate extraordinary approaches to public service and make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, nominated the Haines library for the award, Brown said. “I think the library has a history of ‘firsts’ starting from years back,” she said.
The Haines library was the first library in the state to put early literacy computers in its children’s room. The Friends of the Library purchased several of the special computers, which aren’t connected to the Internet and focus on six curricular areas, including music and language.
Other unique programs include disc golf and catapult physics workshops, the Mango Languages resource, and the Storyboard, which Brown has spoken about at more than 10 conferences across the country.
“Through the partnership with the Chilkoot Indian Association, we have applied for and been awarded a series of Institute of Museum and Library Services grants that have afforded us the opportunity to create and sustain innovative projects that are multi-generational,” Brown said.
Of the 30 finalists, five libraries and five museums will be selected for the award. Brown said she expects to hear the results in March. If selected, representatives from the Haines library will travel to Washington, D.C., for the award ceremony.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is featuring each finalist on its Facebook page in a “Share Your Story” initiative, where users can describe how the facilities have made a difference in their lives, said library education/cultural coordinator Jessie Morgan.
“People can come to the library if they want to share their story but need tech help. People can start sharing their story any time,” Morgan said.
The Juneau Public Library system was the only other finalist in Alaska.