American Libraries

Student: How does it feel to run all of the Illinois libraries?

Jesse White: It feels good. It feels good because I know that every time we’re able to get money to give to the libraries, someone is going to be able to put something between their ears, other than scalp.

Student: What is your favorite library in the state?

Jesse White: I have a big library in Springfield. I love them all; every library I love. And don't make me choose between these libraries because every library has value, every library has its importance.

Student: As you were growing up, did you go to the library often?

Jesse White: When I was growing up, I didn't go to the library a lot because I wanted to be a basketball player. I didn't see the value in going to the library until I got to high school and then in high school I knew I had to do a lot of research. Then when I got to college I had to do some more research.

Student: How can you keep all the libraries open?

Jesse White: I have to give money, that's what I have to do. I just have to give them some money so they can be paid to do what they do, and that is to provide service to the people.

Student: What special abilities do you have for running libraries?

Jesse White: My educational background and then something else: I visit a lot of libraries. I have 5,000 libraries. I think I've visited about 2,500 of them, almost half of them. And each library I visit, I see something wonderful and beautiful going on. (Applause)

Joan Schenk: This is our garden. The vision of this garden is not The Secret Garden, it's the garden of books and learning. Next thing, music—where’s music? Music is around here somewhere. You have the little alphabet letters, A through Z. You start here and you find all the books that start with A. But I also come from a dad who loves sports, so I'm a sports girl. Down here is Don't Pop Your Cork on Mondays! Today is a Monday, so don’t pop your cork.

Jesse White: We want you to remember that we're counting on you to be the best you can be.