CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The small-but-mighty Highwood Public Library was one of six honorees around the country to receive a prestigious award.
While it only has about 2,000 cardholders, the Highwood Public Library received the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This award is given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities, according to Highwood's website.
"I screamed. I'm like, 'Oh my goodness.' I couldn't believe it. I honestly couldn't believe it because we were, you know, this tiny little speck in the map [that] got selected for this recognition. How incredible is that?" Carmen Patlan, executive director of the Highwood Public Library, told WBBM Newsradio.
Patlan said she and her six part-time employees jumped into action when the pandemic hit, serving more than 23,000 meals, providing masks, COVID-19 testing and vaccines through community partnerships.
The Highwood Library is one of just three libraries across the country to receive the award.
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