TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) announced the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson and the Copper Queen Library (CQL) in Bisbee, Arizona as finalists for 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum the Copper Queen Library are two of 30 finalists nationwide.  The 2024 National Medal winners will be announced the last week of May, and a national ceremony and celebration will be held in Washington, DC in July.

“The 7th Congressional District of Arizona is home to world class museums and library services,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The Copper Queen Library and Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum are vital spaces for community members and young people to gather, grow, share, and succeed. I’m proud to represent and support these beloved institutions that are critical repositories of knowledge and cornerstones of learning in Southern Arizona.”

“The Desert Museum’s selection as a National Medal of Service Finalist is extremely meaningful to our staff, Trustees, volunteers and other supporters – it affirms that we matter to the communities we work within. It provides inspiration to deepen and expand regional partnerships that will continue to increase accessibility, enhance mutual benefit, and achieve greater mission impact into the future,” said Craig Ivanyi, Executive Director, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

“As a National Medal Finalist for the second time, we are deeply honored and excited to have our small and rural institution placed alongside so many other amazing libraries,” said Library Services Coordinator Alison Williams, Copper Queen Library. “Our place as a finalist helps highlight the important role that small and rural libraries play in their communities across the United States. We are grateful for this honor. Our partners, collaborators, and patrons play a huge role in our success, and we share this honor with everyone in the CQL community.”

Rep. Grijalva supported the nomination of both the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the Copper Queen Library for the award.

More about the National Medals can be found here.