Mid-Continent Public Library will be honored at the White House

A Kansas City area library system will be recognized next month at the White House.

Officials of the Mid-Continent Public Library will accept the National Medal for Museum and Library Service on May 8. First lady Michelle Obama is to present the award to representatives of the local district and officials of nine other U.S. libraries and museums.

“It’s nice recognition, as it really is the culmination of 50 years’ worth of work for the Mid-Continent Public Library,” said library director Steven Potter. “What I am most proud of is that this award is about actual library service and connecting with your community.”

The award, presented for 20 years by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is the highest community service honor given to museums and libraries.

Joining Mid-Continent in Washington will be Alicia Moore of Liberty, who home-schools her two children and relies on materials and programming at the system’s Liberty branch.

The Mid-Continent system, established in 1965, operates 35 libraries in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties.

Other libraries being recognized next month include the Chicago Public Library; the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Mass.; and the Octavia Fellin Public Library in Gallup, N.M.

This story was originally published April 24, 2014 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Mid-Continent Public Library will be honored at the White House."