DES MOINES, Iowa - Three libraries across the state were awarded the annual National History Day in Iowa Kids Count! Award Monday at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch walked away with the top Kids Count! Award for Outstanding Service to Youth Researchers. The library was nominated by National History Day students and their teachers prior to the state events in April and May. The award recognizes the best libraries, archives or museums in the state of Iowa for their outstanding service to youth researchers.

Many students commented on the Hoover Library’s welcoming atmosphere, helpful archivists, outstanding History Day workshops and especially the library’s wealth of resources.

Certificates of Recognition were given to the Buena Vista University Library in Storm Lake and the Hawarden Public Library in Hawarden.

National History Day is a year-long program which uses history to challenge students in grades 6-12 to improve their research, analytical and communication skills. In groups or individually, students conduct research on topics related to a broad theme which changes annually. The theme for 2003 is “Rights and Responsibilities in History.”

The Kids Count! Award is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc. in Iowa City.

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