Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed July 17, 2017 as University of Minnesota Libraries Day in the State of Minnesota!

The Governor’s Proclamation is made in honor of the Libraries’ significant achievement in receiving the 2017 National Medal for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the federal agency that supports libraries and museums nationwide. 

The Medal Ceremony will be streamed live at 2 p.m. CDT, Monday, July 17, from the National Archives in Washington, D.C.  

“I am extremely proud to accept this Medal on behalf of our extraordinary staff, who serve our students, faculty, state, and a global community of scholars with enthusiasm, ingenuity, expertise, and dedication,” said Wendy Pradt Lougee, University Librarian and McKnight Presidential Professor. “And, I sincerely thank our Friends of the Libraries Board, which nominated us for consideration for this prestigious award.”

The Medal Ceremony will be officiated by Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the IMLS. David S. Ferriero, 10th Archivist of the United States will deliver brief remarks and the Medal will be presented by Cokie Roberts, journalist and commentator for NPR and ABC News.

Lougee will be accompanied by Professor Jennifer Gunn, the Libraries’ campus partner representative, and Margaret Telfer, President of the Friends of the Libraries Board.