ALAWON: American Library Association Washington Office Newsline
Volume 11, Number 47
June 5, 2002

In This Issue: WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON SCHOOL LIBRARIES

On Tuesday, June 4, 2002, The First Lady, Laura Bush convened a White House Conference on School Libraries.  She introduced the program by saying that the library was the place where students could "ask questions about the world and find the answers."  She proudly stated that her library education began in Midland, Texas where the first card in her wallet was her library card.

Held in the East Room of the White House, the program included remarks from Dr. Robert Martin, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services who extolled the First Lady for the many examples of things she has done to encourage education.
Dr. Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, in his keynote speech expressed gratitude for the day's highlighting of school libraries.  He said "libraries are as old as civilization and convey our Nation's heritage."

Dr. Susan Neuman, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education from the U.S. Department of Education and Dr. Keith Curry Lance, from the Colorado Department of Education also presented remarks about the respective studies they had made of public and school libraries. 

A panel followed featuring Dr. Gary Hartzell, professor of Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Faye Kimsey-Pharr, Principal of Lakeside Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Dr. Kathleen D. Smith, Principal of Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, Colorado and Dr. Steven Wisely, superintendent of Medford School District who all testified to the benefits of well-stocked school library media centers with qualified school library media specialists.

Remarks were also made by M. Christine DeVita, President of the Wallace-Reader's Digest Funds, about the striking changes brought about by the Fund's sponsorship of the Library Power initiative where more than 700 schools re-made their libraries with successful academic results.

Attending the conference were Mrs. Barbara Bush, Senators Kennedy (D-MASS), Specter (R-PA), and Reed (D-RI), Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH), John W. Berry, ALA President and Helen Adams, President of the American Association of School Librarians as well as many school administrators, educators and school library media specialists.

At the conclusion, First Lady Laura Bush announced the Board of Directors for the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries that will give grants to inner city and rural school libraries.  For further information on the event and the Foundation, go to www.LauraBushFoundation.org




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