American Libraries

Janet L. Robinson: We feel very strongly that librarians’ fine work should gain more recognition. And with the help of Carnegie Corporation and ALA, we were able to put this event together to honor people who are doing truly noble work.

Jim Rettig: There are 123,000 libraries across this country. Each is as unique as the community, school, or campus it serves. The work that librarians are called upon to do on a daily basis on behalf of their communities varies with the unique needs of each community. We saw this reflected in the 3,200 nominations submitted for the award, especially the nominations for the winners here tonight.

Vartan Gregorian: Let me say a few words to you about librarians. They’re wonderful people, but unfortunately limited in the sense—in their devotion to library that even if there are no funds, they still go, they still provide service. They are most under appreciated individuals, along with some of our teachers in public high schools. In my book, there are three most important organizations and institutions in the country in terms of their importance are teachers, who educate the next generation of our society, then librarians who open the doors to knowledge, and then journalists who keep honesty, facts—separating facts and opinion in order to inform the public. So you, in my book, are one of the great heroes to serve our public. I’m not saying today, because today you are here, you’re being honored, I’ve said this many times.

Elaine McIlroy: This is such a tremendous honor and I was so humbled, deeply humbled to receive it. But then last night, I read the nominations of all the other winners and I am doubly humbled and delighted to be in your company.

Iona R. Malanchuk: I am surrounded by talented people, multiple subject backgrounds. 50,000 students are on that campus and every day they bring to me their doctoral dissertations, complex topics, and I love it. I love it when I don’t know the answer right away. And when I don’t know the answer right away, I turn to colleagues.

Paul McIntosh: And somewhere in the audience, there are some young brothers and sisters who are poets, who are lovers of life. Nuria Francisco. Are you here, Nuria? Because it’s important that you know who they are.

Carol R. Levers: I love you all, and I love all librarians. Thank you.