The Georgetown Public Library has been named a finalist for the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries. The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced Monday that the Georgetown Public Library was named one of 29 finalists, according to a city press release. The institutions are judged on their innovative approaches to provide public service for their communities. The only Texas library to ever win the award was the San Antonio Public Library in 2006. “Being named a finalist for the IMLS National Medal is truly an honor and community achievement,” Georgetown Public Library Director Eric Lashley said. “It is exciting for our staff, volunteers and community partners to be recognized at the national level for our efforts to engage, enlighten and empower members of our community.” Lashley and his staff have added services over the past year and are working on an update to the library's strategic plan. These measures have helped the library see a 45 percent increase in total visitors in fiscal year 2016-17 compared to the prior fiscal year, according to library data. National Medal winners will be announced later this spring, and representatives from winning institutions will be honored at a Washington, D.C. medal ceremony in late May. The award is typically presented to the winner by the First Lady of the United States.