Laura Bush answers questions from an excited listener during her reading of
"Book, Book, Book" at the Chattanooga-Hamilton Bicentennial Library in
Chattanooga, Tenn. on June 12, 2003. White House photo by Susan Sterner
Laura Bush: Librarian and Teacher
As a former public school teacher and librarian, Mrs. Bush has a special
place in her heart for books and libraries. She knows that a love of books
-- of holding a book, turning its pages, looking at its pictures, and
losing oneself in its fascinating stories -- goes hand-in-hand with a love
of learning.
She also knows that having parents, teachers, librarians and members of
the community who care enough to make libraries a priority is one of the
most important steps in helping to maintain high-quality library services.
More than half of all librarians are projected to retire by 2019. The administration has proposed an initiative to
recruit, train and support a new generation of librarians. The President's
budget for FY 2004 requests $20 million for this initiative to help offset
the national shortage.
Mrs. Bush believes that recruiting a new generation of librarians is vital
to maintaining libraries as important educational resources and making
them accessible to future generations of readers. She has made a commitment to
preserving our libraries, has toured libraries in the U.S and abroad, and
continues to encourage young people to pursue careers as teachers and
librarians.
Recruitment and Education of Librarians for the 21st
Century
