American Libraries

Julie Andrews: This is my daughter Emma, and which one of you is Emma? There's an Emma. And there is a Katherine. Who's Katherine? There she is.

Emma Walton Hamilton: That's my middle name—Emma Katherine.

Julie Andrews: And her middle name is Katherine.

Emma Walton Hamilton: Is it really? You're an Emma Katherine, too? What's your last name? Very nice to meet you both. We have the pleasure of reading to you today from one of our newest books and it's called The Great American Mousical and you all have a copy of it, which is just terrific.

Julie Andrews: "And Harold says, 'Angels and ministers of grace defenders who cried piteously as performers and technicians, children, and musicians anxiously clustered around him. "She's gone, " he raised his arm as if to push away the dreadful memory, "she disappeared into a veil, a misty wreath of white and gray enfolding her, a foul and pestilent congregation of vapors. He buried his face in his palms."

Leslie Burger: It's a pleasure to be here in Washington where 27,600 librarians, vendors, and people who care about libraries have been camping out since last Friday. So what better place to talk about our nation's libraries than here in Washington? As Jenny said, libraries play a critical role, not only in our communities, but in our school environments as well. Now some of you may know that each April the American Library Association, in conjunction with thousands of libraries throughout the country, celebrate something called National Library Week, a time when libraries showcase their many free programs and services. All types of libraries—schools, public, academic, and special libraries—participate in this celebration. Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the Honorary Chair of 2008 National Library Week, Julie Andrews and her daughter, children's author, Emma Walton Hamilton. (Applause)

Julie Andrews: Hello again, everybody. I am very pleased to be here today and I really, really mean that. And I am thrilled to be invited to be the honorary Chair for National Library Week in 2008. During the month the April 2008 ALA, American Library Association, and libraries across America will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of National Library Week. This is a time to honor the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians, such special people and the degree to which they transform communities. Libraries have always been, as you just mentioned, places of opportunity. Places where everyone, regardless of age, race, or income can come together whether for research, entertainment, self-help, or to find that one special book. And as a children's book author for over thirty-five years, I am happy to report that even in this, our digital age, public school and university libraries are flourishing. People are going to their public library to check out books in record numbers. National Library Week will be a wonderful opportunity to remind the public about the value of all of libraries and librarians and what a dramatic difference they make in each an every community throughout America. And I am deeply honored to help champion the cause.