GFF grantee, Highwood Library, was recently awarded the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ 2021 National Medal for Museum and Libraries. A Patch article, Highwood Library Wins Nation’s Top Museum And Library Honor, details the award and the important work that it’s executive director, Carmen Patlan, has done with the library since her tenure began in February 2019.
“The library was one of three in the nation to win the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Libraries. A trio of museums also received the annual award, which since 1996 has recognized the institutions for their outstanding contributions to their towns.
The Highwood Public Library, formed in 1976, implemented a new strategic plan in 2018 dedicated to respond to the needs of the community.
Carmen Patlan was recruited to take over as executive director and began work in February 2019.“It’s incredible what this little library has done over these past two years,” Patlan told Patch. “We always like to say that we’re small but mighty.”