The Institute of Museum and Library Services Medal of Honor is one of the most important awards for libraries and museums in the country.

For 22 years, the award has been given to institutions that serve the community in an extraordinary and innovative way.

“The 2016 National Medal finalists make lasting differences in their communities by serving and inspiring the public,” said Kathryn Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Central’s Brooks Library is one of the 30 finalists for the award this year and one of the only two school libraries of the finalists. The 30 finalists include 15 museums and 15 libraries.

According to Maureen Rust, Central student engagement and community outreach librarian, a total of five libraries and five museums will be given the award of $5,000.

If the Brooks Library won, they would apply the award to updating and introducing new services in the library. No decision on what exactly they would do have been made yet, but the money would likely go to community programs.

According to Juliana Golding, elementary education and middle-level math teaching major, the library helps students because it has all the resources that students need.

“I think that the award shows how much Central has taken the students’ study as a priority,” Golding said.

The Brooks Library has had the support of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. The chamber of commerce has helped Central put on community programs.

The library often works closely with the community and is the current home to a popular local history collection.

The library has also helped other students like Braden Goveia, Spanish and philosophy major.

According to Goveia, the library helps students even when they need a book that the library doesn’t carry. Through Interlibrary Loan, Central will order books or materials students are looking for from other universities.

“They always get the books quickly. I get books from other universities all the time,” Goveia said.

According to Goveia, the library staff is very friendly and helpful.

“They know my name and help me a lot,” Goveia said. “It is very personal here.”