Booker Applauds Long Branch Free Public Library on Receiving the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) announced that the Long Branch Free Public Library in Long Branch, New Jersey, has been selected as one of the eight recipients nationwide of the prestigious 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal, awarded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is the highest honor given to museums and libraries that exemplify outstanding service to their communities. Senator Booker nominated the Long Branch Public Library for the 2023 National Medal last November, and in March of this year, it appeared on the IMLS list of 30 finalists for the second time. Senator Booker had previously nominated the Long Branch Public Library for the 2021 National Medal, when it was selected as a finalist that year, as well.

With this award, the Long Branch Free Public Library joins a distinguished list of past winners, including Ocean County Library in Toms River, which was the last New Jersey recipient in 2007. Since 2010, the Long Branch Free Public Library has assisted formerly incarcerated individuals with training, job-seeking resources, and reintegration support through its Fresh Start program, which has since been expanded to other libraries throughout the state. It has also spearheaded other innovative programs, including a Fade to Books Barbershop Literacy Project to encourage young children to read while at the barber, and was the first public library in New Jersey to hire social workers to serve its patrons.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the Long Branch Free Public Library for receiving the distinguished 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said Senator Booker. “It is a tremendous honor that a New Jersey library has been selected for this prestigious recognition. Libraries serve a vital role at the center of their communities, and the Long Branch Free Public Library has gone above and beyond to serve the needs of its patrons. It offers many innovative programs, from the Fade to Books Barbershop Literacy Project to reach young readers to the Fresh Start program to support returning citizens, and is an asset to the community and a credit to our state.”

“I thank Senator Booker for nominating the Long Branch Free Public Library for this prestigious award. He has been a strong supporter of our library for years,” said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. “The National Medal for Museum and Library Service is the highest honor for libraries and museums, and we are thrilled to be recognized. Our library stands out for its unique services it offers to our diverse community, including social services, career development, and support for businesses. With funding from the Library Reconstruction Bond Act, we look forward to expanding our services even further.”

“IMLS is delighted to announce the eight worthy recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said Crosby Kemper, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, based in Washington, D.C. “The staff at these inspiring institutions dedicate themselves each day to supporting the health and growth of their communities, serving in their unique individual ways as centers of excellence and passion. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, D.C. this summer!”

Since its inception in 1996, the National Medal for Museum and Library Service has recognized 182 institutions that have demonstrated exceptional and groundbreaking approaches to public service and led positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The 2023 National Medal recipients are:

Libraries:

• Kuskokwim Consortium Library (Bethel, AK)
• LA County Library (Los Angeles, CA)
• Long Branch Free Public Library (Long Branch, NJ)
• Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Toledo, OH)

Museums:

• Center of Science and Industry (COSI) (Columbus, OH)
• Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum (Buffalo, WY)
• Museum of Discovery and Science (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
• Riverside Art Museum (Riverside, CA)