OCEAN COUNTY, N.J.—The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today that Ocean County Library is among 30 finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Ocean County Library is one of two institutions in New Jersey to be selected as a finalist for this award.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For more than 25 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

“It is an honor for Ocean County Library to be named a finalist for the prestigious National Medal and a testament to the dedication of our library staff to create innovative programs, services, and community partnerships to meet the needs of Ocean County residents of all ages,” said Library Director Susan Quinn. “One in 32 children in Ocean County are on the autism spectrum and the need for creative library services to serve this population became evident to us through our interactions with families and community partners. Ocean County Library embraces our ongoing role and responsibility to adapt to our community’s needs to fulfill our mission of Connecting People, Building Community, Transforming Lives. We are thankful to our staff, patrons, community members, Ocean County Library Commission, Ocean County Board of Commissioners, and local and state government officials for always supporting and championing Ocean County Library.”

“To have been nominated for this award was an honor in and of itself, but to be named one of 30 finalists is humbling and something to truly be appreciated. Ocean County Library strives to create an atmosphere where every person is welcome, respected, and appreciated,” said Sara Siegler, Assistant Director and Project Manager for OCL’s Sensory Spaces. “The creation of our Sensory Spaces, one-of-a-kind experiences for our communities within our library system, has brought meaningful and lasting relationships. The Sensory Spaces are particularly helpful to people with varying degrees of sensory processing disorders, and we are proud to have been the first New Jersey public library to open a space such as this.”

“So many museums and libraries across the country are committed to providing programs that are vital to the health and growth of engaged communities. We are very proud to announce the 30 finalists for this year’s IMLS National Medal,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “These institutions represent the best of what museums and libraries do for their communities.”

To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Ocean County Library’s community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media using the hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals, and engage with IMLS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in person National Medals Ceremony this summer.