Mayor Karl Dean made a pit stop at Old Center Elementary Nov. 1 to read to kindergarten students in recognition of National Family Literacy Day. The Mayor read the book “What To Do If An Elephant Stands On Your Foot.” All kindergarten students also received a copy of the book.

While there, the Mayor also shared some exciting news about Limitless Libraries. So far this year, the online program has circulated nearly 25,000 items! According to the Mayor’s Office, this is a nearly 4,000 percent increase since 2010-11, when Limitless Libraries first launched. The program has grown from offering services to 54 schools during the 2011-12 school year to 128 schools this year.

Dan Mills Kindergartener Julia S. and her parents recently set up a lemonade and cookie stand at their home to raise money for the Dan Mills library book fund. The Schencks raised $650! Julia presented a check to the Dan Mills librarian Starra Withers during the morning announcements on Wednesday, May 9.

World-renowned musician Janis Ian has a passion for reading, libraries and education. So her inspiring address at a recent inservice for Metro Schools Librarian comes straight from the heart.

Ms. Ian joined the librarians for lunch at JT Moore Middle School on August 9th. She then closed their full-day session with a speech on the power of books in her life and an uplifting message for librarians everywhere as the new school year begins. As thanks, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

Please take a few moments to read the transcript of her speech. It carries a powerful message about how reading - and the people who help facilitate it - can change lives. Truly worth reading.

When prehistoric man made his first symbols, and connected those symbols with true language, he began a chain of events that would enlighten and ennoble the world. The written word informs us. It challenges us. It drags us to the depths and lifts us to the heavens, in one graceful arc that can only be appreciated by those who can read. Libraries are a hallmark of a civilized culture, and librarians represent that culture to all facets of society. We artists have a great affinity with you librarians, for many reasons, not the least of which is that we exist in large part to educate, and to protect. To make order out of chaos, and to teach others to do the same. To keep the dreams of a nation, of a people, safe for future generations. To make those dreams available to everyone – not just the wealthy or beautiful, not just the people of one race or one color or one religion – but available to everyone who dares to dream of something bigger than themselves.

FULL SPEECH