Congratulations, Colrain!
Griswold Memorial Library Recognized as a 2024 Recipient of the Nation’s Highest Museum and Library Honor
Griswold Memorial Library Recognized as a 2024 Recipient of the Nation’s
Highest Museum and Library Honor
National Medal for Museum and Library Service Recognizes Colrain, Massachusetts Griswold Memorial Library’s Community Contributions
COLRAIN, Mass.—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced the Griswold Memorial Library of Colrain, Massachusetts today as one of 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 30 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
“IMLS is delighted to announce the ten recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum. “These institutions and their dedicated staff are stepping up to anticipate and meet the needs of their individual communities. From New York to Arizona, these ten recipients are unparalleled sources of education, health, jobs, and cultural resources, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, and experience for community members. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, D.C. this summer!”
The Griswold Memorial Library covers a lot of ground to meet a variety of community needs. The library celebrates and preserves local history through initiatives like the People’s History of Colrain Podcast on SoundCloud, and “William Apess Day,” which celebrates its namesake, a Pequot minister, author, and veteran who was born in Colrain in 1798, whose published works and sermons called for freedom and liberty for all people. Input from the community drives the library’s programming and services, such as “Fix-It Day,” where local tradespeople and crafters lend their expertise to repair and restore household goods for free, the Carol Purington Poetry Collective, Public Health Nurse drop-in hours, and “Read to Lamby the Dog.” Every day, the library helps patrons and local businesses adapt to change and learn new skills, with its Library of Things, online programs such as “Take & Make Crafts with Ms. Betty,” and drop-in tech help. Additionally, outreach services such as a pop-up library at the town transfer station, literacy programs and a StoryWalk at Pine Hill Orchards, and “Read to the Children” and other services at the Franklin County Jail and Re-Entry Center, have helped the library to grow and attract new patrons, and connect with the community outside of the library’s four walls.
Griswold Memorial Library was nominated for the IMLS National Medal by Congressman Jim McGovern, with letters of support from the local community. Selected from 30 national finalists, the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.
“This is a historic win, for a historic library,” said Library Director Chelsea Jordan-Makely. “We are proud to continue in the footsteps of our forebears, who had big dreams for our town and country. That’s the spirit of Colrain. We can do anything when we work together.”
The award will be presented at a ceremony this summer in Washington, DC. For a complete list of 2024 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal awardees, 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. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the Griswold Memorial Library
The Griswold Memorial Library, established in 1892, then constructed and dedicated to the town of Colrain by its namesake, Joseph Griswold, in 1908, is a welcoming community hub and a portal to local history and lifelong learning, and a critical touchpoint for residents and visitors in rural western Massachusetts. Everyone is welcome; please visit GML at 12 Main Rd. in Colrain, MA during our services hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Posted: to Griswold Memorial Library News on Tue, May 21, 2024
Updated: Tue, May 21, 2024