Key West - Treasured objects and artifacts held by the Monroe County Public Library will be preserved for future generations with help from the IMLS Connecting to Collections Bookshelf, a core set of conservation books, DVDs, and online resources donated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding of the nation's museums and libraries.

		"The community has entrusted our Library with original artifacts of historical importance. It is our responsibility to care for and protect these priceless treasures," said Library Administrator, Anne Layton Rice. "This IMLS award will help preserve the rich heritage of the Keys." Monroe County Public Library is among the first to receive this essential set of resources based on a competitive application describing the needs and plans for care of its collections. The IMLS Bookshelf focuses on collections typically found in art or history museums and in libraries' special collections. It addresses such topics as the philosophy and ethics
Photo caption: A military blimp passes St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Duval Street during the V-day Parade of November 1918. From the Monroe County Public Library archives
of collecting, collections management and planning, emergency preparedness, and culturally specific conservation issues.

 "We are pleased to announce the first group of IMLS Bookshelf recipients. These small libraries and museums are taking up the charge to care for America's heritage," said IMLS Director Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice. "A recent national study tells a sobering story about the state of America's library and museum collections. Without immediate action we stand to lose important collections that are at the heart of the American story."

Photo caption: The Western Union Telegraph staff pose for this 1898 photograph at their office at Greene Street and Telegraph Alley. From the Monroe County Public Library archives.