Remarks at the National Medal for
Museum and Library Service Ceremony
The White House, Washington, DC
Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice
October 7, 2008
Thank you so much. Once again, thank you for your very,
very kind introduction and for graciously hosting today's
celebration. It is the highest honor to hold this ceremony
in such a historic and elegant surrounding, and to have
you here to share this.
This is a bitter sweet moment for all of us because
of course this is our last medal’s ceremony with
Laura Bush.
Your leadership and unflagging advocacy on behalf of
literacy, culture, children, and families are a source
of constant inspiration.
You make a profound difference. For generations to
come we will look to your example. You are the gold
standard. Pericles – the great first citizen of
Athens said, “What you leave behind is not what
is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into
the lives of others.” Your work as an ambassador
for culture, education and bettering the lives of children
across the globe has touched us deeply.
Culture has a true friend in you, dear First Lady.
You truly have been there every step of the way. The
list is long. The White House Conference On School Libraries,
the National Book Festival, the President’s Helping
America's Youth Initiative and our own Laura Bush 21st
Century Librarian Program have all flourished largely
because of you, and all have had a meaningful impact
on the people we serve.
Your greeting and involvement in our first ever Connecting
to Collections Conservation Summit sent a strong message
about history and community and the legacy we hope to
leave the next generation. And since that first summit
we have reached thousands of institutions with resources
and know-how that will help to safeguard our nation’s
story.
I know I speak for everyone here when I say how very
proud we are to call you our First Lady.
(applause)
And, of course, I can think of no better person to
help bring in this year's class of outstanding medalists.
In addition to the people in this room, I'd also like
to gratefully acknowledge the contribution of, The History
Channel, Metal Edge and a special thanks to Americans
for the Arts and also to 3M because this would not have
been possible without them as well.
(applause)
Now I have the pleasure of presenting a brief video
which highlights the achievements of our winners.
(VIDEO PRESENTATION - click
here to watch video or read transcript)
The IMLS awards are not always about the organizations
with the newest building or the most cutting edge technology.
Rather, they are about the museums and libraries that
make the deepest connection with their communities by
inspiring among their visitors a lifelong love of reading
and culture.
When we present the awards, we asked each of our honorees
to be represented not only by their chief operating
officer or board chairman, but also by a member of the
community who has thrived in some way because of the
outstanding work of these exemplary institutions.
As you saw on the video presentation, our mission at
the Institute of Museum and Library Services is to build
strong libraries and museums that connect people to
information and ideas. We do this by working with these
institutions to sustain cultural heritage, nurture innovation,
enhance learning, and support professional development.
In all of these ways, the best museums and libraries
in America, ten of whom we honor today, allow and encourage
our citizens to stay connected to the knowledge they
need for their own success and that of our nation.
I'm now honored to present our First Librarian in Chief,
Laura Bush.
