LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Brooklyn Botanic Garden upon the
occasion of its designation as winner of the 2014 National Medal for
Museum and Library Services

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent is to promote conservation education and to encourage the appre-
ciation and understanding of the environment for all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
Brooklyn Botanic Garden upon the occasion of its designation as winner
of the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Services; this presti-
gious award will be conferred by First Lady Michelle Obama at a ceremony
at the White House on Thursday, May 8, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The National Medal for Museum and Library Services is the
highest award of its kind, and honors outstanding institutions which
make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities;
selected institutions demonstrate extraordinary and innovative
approaches to public service, exceeding expectations for community
outreach; and
WHEREAS, For over a century, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) has been an
urban botanical garden that connects people to the world of plants,
fostering delight and curiosity, while developing in young people an
appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment; and
WHEREAS, One of only five museums to be selected for this tremendous
honor, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the only winning institution in New
York State; and
WHEREAS, Brooklyn Botanic Garden was selected by the Institute of
Museum and Library Services based on its outstanding community engage-
ment programs which continue to inspire people of all ages through the
conservation, display, and enjoyment of plants; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed institution has had an enduring relationship
with New York City public schools, and with community greening groups
across the Borough, developing educational programs which emphasize
hands-on learning and a love of nature; and
WHEREAS, The timing of this award is especially meaningful because in
2014, Brooklyn Botanic Garden will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary
of its pioneering Children's Garden, the first of such type of botanic
garden in the world; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose involve-
ment is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the Garden and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions which enhance the well-being and vitality of the community and
have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have
earned our recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Botanic Garden upon the occasion of its designation
as winner of the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Services;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.