Puerto Rican Community Library Receives National Medal

by Lynn Blumstein, Library Journal -- Críticas, 10/1/2008

Awarded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in coordination with the White House, the National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the nation’s highest honor. This year, five libraries and five museums have won the award, including Puerto Rico’s Jane Stern Dorado Community Library (JSDCL). All organizations are recognized for their “extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions.” In addition to the National Medal, to be awarded at a White House ceremony on October 7, each institution receives $10,000.

Established in 1974, the JSDCL was the first community library in Puerto Rico. Since then, it has become the heart of its community and helped institute other community libraries, beginning with San Juan in 1987. Its story hour draws children from public and private schools on a weekly basis. It is acknowledged for its programs ranging from children’s summer instruction to senior outreach.

The JSDCL operates independently and is “an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when responsibilities are shared with the community, the private sector, and the government, both state and municipal,” according to the IMLS website.

The other libraries to receive the National Medal are Kansas City Public Library (KCPL), MO, recognized for its Books to Go project, which delivers books monthly to more than 7000 preschool-aged children through Head Start programs and other similar venues; the Miami-Dade Public Library System, FL, acknowledged for initiatives like the Art of Storytelling and its Five-Star Commitment to the community; Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta, ME, serves a population that fluctuates between 9000 people in the winter to 14,000 people in the summer; and Skokie Public Library, IL, which serves a population that is 42 percent foreign born with a great number of specific programs.