Toledo Lucas County Public Library Named as One of Four Library Recipients to Receive 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced that the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL) headquartered in Toledo, Ohio and operating throughout NW Ohio has been named as one of four library winners of the 2023 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 29 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

“This award of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service is a truly deserving honor and testament to our world class Carnegie library system housed in Toledo. Our Northwest Ohio region is a better place because of the skilled work at this very library. At a time when libraries and librarians nationwide are under attack, with efforts to ban books, restrict free speech, and endanger these upstanding civil servants, I am proud to see a community staple such as the Toledo Lucas County Public Library receive national recognition for their excellence,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Libraries are places where children and members of our community can go to learn new skills, imagine new possibilities and far off lands, work to better themselves, and try new things. Our libraries are a vital part of our community, and as a native Toledoan I am humbled to have made the nomination for this prestigious award, and am so pleased to see it come back to my hometown of Toledo.”

“Winning the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service is a significant and affirming recognition for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library and our community as a whole,” said TLCPL Executive Director Jason Kucsma. “Being placed among exceptional libraries and museums across the United States acknowledges our staff’s extraordinary commitment to providing exemplary library services to Toledo and Lucas County and reflects the region’s collective dedication to innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.”

“IMLS is delighted to announce the eight worthy recipients of the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, including Toledo Lucas County Public Library,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “Toledo Lucas County is a great combination of excellent traditional programming, focus on literacy, and meeting new and developing needs in the community.”

In a region of makers, dreamers, and doers, Toledo Lucas County Public Library serves as the hub of activity in every neighborhood. With nearly 300,000 cardholders, 20 locations and mobile services, and more than 1,000 service hours per week, TLCPL is bustling with activity from morning to night as more than 3 million people visit annually to gather and linger, learn and explore, and make connections that strengthen the community.

Selected from 30 national finalists, the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service winners 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.      

The award will be presented at a ceremony this summer in Washington, DC. For a complete list of 2023 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal winners, 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. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit imls.gov/ and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Toledo Lucas County Public Library

Founded in 1838, TLCPL serves a diverse population of over 431,000 in Lucas County. With a vision to be the first place people go when they want to broaden their horizons or connect with one another, the library’s strategic priorities are: Helping children learn to read (birth – third grade); helping students succeed (third - twelfth grade); helping adults expand their horizons within our areas of expertise; providing technology access and skill development; and serving as the go-to community connector and hub. To learn more, visit toledolibrary.org.

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