Skidompha Library Director Pam Gormley traveled to Washington D.C. to receive the National Medal for Museum and Library Service for Skidompha Library from Laura Bush at the White House Oct. 7.
According to Gormley, the National Medal is given to five museums and libraries each year by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS). This is the second year these medals have been awarded. They are the highest national honor given to libraries.
“The White House was very grand. They held the award ceremony there with Mrs. Bush and Dr. Radice of IMLS presiding,” Gormley said. “Skidompha was chosen with some other incredible institutions, I’m proud to be one of them.”
With the medal, award-winning institutions received $10,000. According to their brochure, the IMLS is the primary funding source for over 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The award ceremony was a top-notch affair, according to Gormley. “We all felt like royalty,” she said. “The White House was very impressive, full of history and people who believe in service there to honor us.”
She recalled Mrs. Bush’s remarks the night of the award ceremony, “Not everyone thinks of fun when they think of libraries, but they should come see Skidompha, because its about fun, community and gathering” Bush said.
Gormley was allowed to bring two guests to Washington, Skidompha Board of Trustees Chair Jean Vernet and community member Jodi Armstrong. Gormley said she wished she could have brought the entire library staff.
Gormley explained Skidompha was chosen for the National Medal after being nominated by a community member. They were selected for the award because of the variety of programming they offer children, seniors, and new readers of all ages.
The Books in Motion (BIM) program helped Skidompha through the first round of interviews, Gormley said. In the BIM program, a child is given a brand new book each month from that month’s sponsoring business.
She explained the child gets to take the book home and read it, then Skidompha screens the movie adaptation of that book at the end of each month. “Its great to see kids say they didn’t think a character looked like that, and make comparisons between the book and movie,” said Gormley.
Skidompha’s programs for seniors, such as classic films on Monday nights, and the increased selection of large print audio books were also recognized by IMLS.
The partnership between the library and Tri-County Literacy is helping people all over Lincoln County improve and expand on their literacy skills. Gormley explained Skidompha hosts literacy classes, as well as providing a place for literacy tutors and clients to meet in private.
“Reading and writing are two of the most important skills a person can have,” Gormley said. “If you don’t have those skills, you can’t apply for a job or get help. It completely cuts you off.”
Another feather in Skidompha’s cap is the access to technology the library offers community members and visitors. Gormley remarked that Skidompha Library has become a destination for out of town travelers to keep up with their home lives while on vacation in the Damariscotta area.
She explained that is one way modern libraries are redefining themselves. “Libraries take a lead role in the use of technology. How people look for references changes,” said Gormley. “It’s our job to help people find the best reference sites. Skidompha is in the top 10 in Maine for use of computers.”
Though the award was given to the library, Gormley explained she really felt it is a tribute to people in the community. “Patrons come here to borrow books, and enjoy our programs, lectures and films. Then they bring their organizations here,” she said. “Without them, we’d be a large dusty building with lots of books that never go home with anyone.”
The best part of her job as Skidompha’s Director is choosing a new author to introduce library patrons to each month, Gormley said. The most challenging part is worrying about the library’s sustainability. She is concerned about the increased prices on heating oil and reduced donations from library supporters.
“People in the community can help by continuing their wonderful support, seeing our films and lectures, and responding to our annual appeal beginning in November,” said Gormley. “They can also help us build an endowment.”
