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 Centruy