Institute of Museum and Library Services Announces Discovery Science Center of Orange County as a Finalist for the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service

The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced Discovery Science Center - Orange County (DSC-OC) as a National Medal for Museum and Library Service finalist. The National Medal is the nation's highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for service to the community and celebrates institutions that make a difference for individuals, families, and communities.

Medal finalists are selected from nationwide nominations of institutions that demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. This year's finalists exemplify the nation's great diversity of libraries and museums and include an aquarium and marine science center foundation, conservatory and botanical gardens, county library systems, individual libraries, children's museums, an art museum, science centers, and more, hailing from across the country.

The nomination for the prestigious award was based off of the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center's excellence in community outreach, hosting blockbuster traveling exhibits, commitment to quality guest service, and partnerships with public agencies on environmental awareness. Also, plans to bring a similar science facility to Los Angeles are currently in process.

"We are honored to be named a finalist for this medal," said Joe Adams, President of Discovery Science Center. "It is our hope that the work we do inspires and serves as a powerful demonstration of the impact engaging science education can have on a community and especially the next generation."

Three other California institutions were named finalists including the Santa Ana Public Library, Rancho Cucamonga Public Library and California Digital Library, University of California. DSC-OC was the only museum from California to be named a finalist this year. Both DSC and the Santa Ana Public Library hail from Orange County and are a part of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez's (CA-46) district.

"The Discovery Science Center is an exceptional Orange County institution and I'm very proud that it has been named a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service," said Sanchez. "The winners will soon be picked from the thirty-three finalists, and I hope to the see Discovery Science Center receive this prestigious honor, which is so well deserved."

The medal is awarded at a ceremony held in Washington D.C. in May. Along with a $5,000 in cash, each winning institution will get a visit from StoryCorps. This non-profit organization is dedicated to recording and preserving the stories of Americans in the communities served by National Medal recipients. The recordings are preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.