For the second consecutive year, the Haines Borough Public Library has been named a finalist for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Library director Patty Brown said the recognition goes to libraries across the country that offer programs and services that go above and beyond basic community needs.

“Last year we did over 700 programs and attendance was over 8,000,” Brown said.

Those programs include the International Cultural Exchange which brought speakers to town from the Yukon, British Columbia and Juneau, the Chilkoot-Chilkat Storyboard and an online “Ikaduwakaa” game that helps players learn about local history, culture and geography.

The storyboard, in partnership with the Chikoot Indian Association, helps individuals learn the Tlingit language using place names from around the Chilkat Valley and the history behind them.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, nominated the library for the award.

“I would like the library staff to be recognized for all of their hard work,” Brown said. “There’s no way these things can happen without the staff, a staff that’s innovative and creative and excited about where they work and what we can do for the community.”

The library’s annual summer reading incentive program starts with a kickoff pizza party at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26. The program offers activities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Officials reading logs will be distributed at the party. Tlingit dancers will perform.