By JASON YASNER
Tara Holland, Miss America 1997, came to the Library on March 21 to help launch "Building a Nation of Readers," the Library's national reading promotion campaign for 1997-2000.
Ms. Holland is the official campaign spokesperson. "Building a Nation of Readers" is the sixth national reading promotion campaign organized by the Center for the Book since 1987.
Joined by Dr. Billington, Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole, U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, Rep. Thomas C. Sawyer (D-Ohio) and representatives from Reading Is Fundamental and the National Institute for Literacy, Ms. Holland unveiled a new promotional poster contributed to the campaign by Jim Henson Productions and participated in a drawing to select the National Reading Is Fundamental Reader for 1997.
"Since she became Miss America last September, Tara Holland has become a highly visible and inspiring spokesperson for the cause of literacy and reading," said Mr. Cole.
Ms. Holland, who became a literacy volunteer at the age of 17, was a graduate student at the University of Missouri prior to winning the Miss America title. She graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University and landed her first job as an adult literacy tutor. At Florida State, she was vice president and then president of the Campus Alliance for Literacy.
Miss America emphasized her belief in the "power of one -- the power of commitment," and said there is a place for every person in the world of reading. She mentioned "The Little Engine that Could" as the influential book that got her started in reading.
After her initial comments, she and Dr. Billington opened the exhibition "Library: The Drama Within," which emphasizes the vital role of libraries in literacy and lifelong learning. The exhibition features 26 photographs by Diane Asséo Griliches of libraries around the world and is currently on display in the Madison Building (see related story this issue).
Then, two television public service announcements on literacy were shown, one featuring country music singer Faith Hill.
Secretary of Education Riley followed with his comments on the importance of literacy and adult education. "Literacy is about more than reading well. Literacy is about living well," he said.
A question-and-answer session with Ms. Holland followed; she addressed issues such as literacy and adult education in correctional institutions, literacy among immigrants and opportunities for visually impaired children.
"Literacy is the key to America's future," she concluded. "The 'Building a Nation of Readers' campaign will remind Americans that they can make a difference in the lives of individuals and the life of our nation."
Mr. Yasner is production editor of The Gazette, the Library's staff newspaper.