Dakota County Library Named Finalist For National Medal

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN— Dakota County Library, located in Eagan, has been named a finalist for the 25th annual 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, Dakota County announced Friday.

Of the 30 finalists named by the Institute of Museum and Library Services on Thursday, the Dakota County Library is the only institution from Minnesota on the list, the county said.

The medal is given to museums and libraries that have had a vast impact on their communities, and is the nation's highest honor for these institutions, the county said.

Winners will be announced later this spring, with representatives from the winning institutions participating in a virtual ceremony this summer, the county said.

"To celebrate this honor, Dakota County Library community members are encouraged to share stories, memories, pictures and videos on social media as part of the Share Your Story campaign on March 31, using the #IMLSmedals and #LibraryWednesday hashtags, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter," the county said.

Director of Dakota County Library Margaret Stone spoke on the honor of the library being named a finalist.

"It is such an honor for Dakota County Library to be recognized as a finalist for the IMLS National Medal," Stone said. “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and talent of our staff and community partners, who have helped us reach for the library's vision of being a catalyst, connector and partner to empower residents and help build a successful community."