On Monday, First Lady Michelle Obama joined the Institute of Museum and Library Services acting director Maura Marx at the White House to present the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service to Los Angeles Public Library. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community.

The Los Angeles Public Library was selected for its success in meeting the needs of Angelenos and providing a high level of social, educational and cultural services.

The award recognizes the library’s programs that help people on their path to citizenship, earn their high school diploma, manage their personal finances and access health and well-being services and resources.

City librarian John F. Szabo and community member Sergio Sanchez accepted the National Medal.

Sanchez and his wife, Francisca, came to the U.S. from Veracruz, Mexico 24 years ago.

They first brought their son to the Los Angeles Public Library for story time as a toddler, and then continued to bring him for many years. Sanchez studied English and history and read the news at the library during his free time.

Last year, a staff member helped him enroll in a citizenship class at the library, and with help of library staff and resources, Sergio passed the test and became a U.S. citizen.

He encouraged his wife to enroll and she passed the citizenship test five months later.

“When a new family moves into the neighborhood, I tell them the most important place is the library. A place where everyone belongs and is welcome, and where your dream can come true,” Sanchez said.

“Our nation’s museums and libraries provide robust programs, services and resources that fuel innovation, economic activity and cultural and civic engagement,” Marx said. “The 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipients have demonstrated great determination and dexterity in addressing critical needs of their communities.”