WORCESTER, Mass. - Worcester Public Library has been named as a finalist for a national award touted as one of the highest honors for libraries’ commitment to their community.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Since 1996, the award has been given to more than 200 institutions nationwide.

Other nominees from Massachusetts this year include Griswold Memorial Library in Colrain and Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester. In the museum category, Discovery Museum in Acton was also nominated.

Jason Homer, executive director of Worcester Public Library, said being considered among the best libraries in the nation is an honor for the entire staff.

“To become a finalist shows that the work that the staff is doing is being seen,” Homer said. “We were nominated for this award by Congressman Jim McGovern, which means that our congressman is noticing all the great work we're doing here at the Worcester Public Library.”

Throughout April and May, the Institute will highlight the work of all 30 nominees with a ‘Share Your Story’ social media campaign. A winner will be announced the last week of May, with a ceremony to be held in Washington, D.C. in July.

“The staff is doing such amazing things, and I'm so excited that we are a finalist and now we're going to try to win that award,” Homer said.