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Your Library is the Recipient of the
Nation’s Highest Award for Libraries

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White House Ceremony Video
Read Mrs. Obama's Remarks
The West Bloomfield Township Public Library has been named one of 10 recipients of the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries. The annual award, made by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) since 1994, recognizes institutions (5 libraries and 5 museums) for outstanding social, educational, environmental, or economic contributions to their communities. The West Bloomfield Township Public Library will receive the National Medal at a ceremony held later in Washington, D.C., a $10,000 award and a visit from StoryCorps.

“This year’s National Medal winners are serving their communities with innovative and creative new approaches to lifelong learning, commitment to addressing diverse community needs, plain old hard work, and a lot of heart,” said IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel. “Many of our winners have evolved and grown despite tremendous challenges – all to empower and enrich the lives of their community members by cultivating collaboration and openness. I am deeply appreciative of their efforts to make a difference. They serve as the nation’s role models.”

“The National Medal recognizes how our library and community partners work together to benefit everyone in West Bloomfield,” said Clara N. Bohrer, library director. “The library has focused on creating partnerships with parents, schools, community service and health care organizations, and others to support a lifetime of reading and learning. Our entire community can be proud of this incredible honor.”

The West Bloomfield Library was selected based on our innovative public service, extensive outreach and collaboration with community partners, and positive impact on those we serve. This includes the Library’s:

The Library selected West Bloomfield resident Cameron Thomas-Shah as the community representative to attend the ceremony at the White House. Cameron is a graduate of West Bloomfield High School and Morehouse College. Listen to Cameron speak about his library experiences.

U.S. Senator Carl Levin “The West Bloomfield Library is truly a comprehensive educational environment, where children can learn and socialize, parents can get medical guidance, and families get support they need for healthy and happy development. The Library has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and for that they are truly deserving of this award.”

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow “I have had the pleasure of seeing the Library’s work first-hand and know that they are creating partnerships with the community to help Michigan families, especially in addressing early literacy. During these difficult economic times, they have also worked hard to help people looking for work, find the resources and information they need.”

U.S. Representative Gary Peters “The hallmark of a good library is its ability to foster community and provide access to a diverse set of information and resources. The efforts of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library to connect with each resident, whether teaching a child to read or helping an adult perfect their resume, are exemplary. I am incredibly proud of their work and grateful for their contribution to our community.”

Community Partners Recognized in the National Medal Brochure include:
  • Beaumont Hospitals
  • West Bloomfield Schools and Community Education
  • Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
  • Friends of the WBTPL
  • Bloomfield Hills Schools
  • Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
  • Jewish Vocational Services
  • Great Start Collaborative—Oakland
  • Oakland County Economic Development Services
  • Oakland Literacy Council
  • Japanese Business Society of Detroit Foundation
  • Oakland Community College
  • Jewish Community Center
  • Ferber Kaufman LifeTown/Friendship Circle
  • Optimist Club of West Bloomfield
  • West Bloomfield African American Parent Association
  • West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce
  • West Bloomfield Historical Society

About the Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS)
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. IMLS Board members, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, advise the Institute’s Director on the selections for the National Medal.

About the West Bloomfield Township Public Library
The West Bloomfield Main Library and Westacres Branch serve the communities of West Bloomfield Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village and Sylvan Lake. Last fiscal year, the West Bloomfield Main Library and Westacres Branch circulated more than 2.6 million items, making it one of the busiest libraries in Michigan. 37.4 items were checked out per person, the highest in Library history and almost five times the state average. A 2008 independent telephone survey of randomly selected township residents showed that three out of four residents have a library card, and of those almost 80% come to the Library one or more times a month.

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Library Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Main Library:
4600 Walnut Lake Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Phone: 248-682-2120
TDD: 248-232-2292
Fax: 248-232-2291
Westacres Branch:
7321 Commerce Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48324
Phone: 248-363-4022
Fax: 248-363-7243
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