For the first time ever, a city has claimed both the top museum and library prizes from the prestigious Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Children’s Museum Houston and the Harris County Public Library (HCPL) are two of the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor in the field. This is also the first win for the city since 1997.

“IMLS is delighted to announce the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum in a statement. “These institutions and their dedicated staff are stepping up to anticipate and meet the needs of their individual communities. From New York to Arizona, these 10 recipients are unparalleled sources of education, health, jobs, and cultural resources, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, and experience for community members. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, DC, this summer!”

Founded by parents in 1980, Children’s Museum Houston is a world-class facility that houses 83,000-square-feet of educational interaction including science labs, the famous Kidtropolis occupational learning street, cultural outreach exhibits, and craft sections. It was nominated for the medal by U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Tricia Zucker of UTHealth Children’s Learning Institute, Paul Martin of Arizona State University, and Kristi Rangel of Gulf Coast Workforce Board for its many collaborations with universities, hospitals, and other Houston institutions to create content for its more than 700,000 annual visitors.

“Winning the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service alongside Harris County Public Library is a remarkable achievement for the children and families of Houston,” said Children's Museum Houston CEO Rayanne Darensbourg. “For the Museum this award symbolizes our success in ensuring that every family has access to the best science, technology, engineering, math, literacy, cultural, and art exhibits and programming — equipping children to dream big and reach their fullest potential. Together, with Harris County Public Library, we have made history, and together, we will continue to inspire, educate, and empower generations to come.”

Lee was joined by fellow Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher in nominating the Harris County Public Library. The award highlights the amazing strides toward equity the library has made over the years. Using grants from the Emergency Connectivity Fund to provide laptops and 5G hotspots for 70,000 residents without internet access. It’s part of a much larger set of programs that do outreach for low income, incarcerated, non-English speaking, and other residents who may have trouble accessing public services for work or school.

“It is truly gratifying to be recognized by the Institute of Museum and Library Service for the work we do to strengthen communities in Houston and Harris County,” said HCPL Executive Director Edward Melton. “This award is a ringing validation of our belief that public libraries and children museums should be a driving force for positive change. HCPL and CMH are committed to identifying and meeting the ever-evolving needs of all the communities we serve.”