John V. Cole
Director, The Center for the Book, Library of Congress
I am lucky because books, reading, and writing are at the center of both
my personal and professional interests. I was the kid in our family who took a lot of good-natured kidding first because I preferred reading
to fishing, and next because I became a librarian instead of following myfather's footsteps into banking. But once I landed at Library of Congress,
the world's largest library, I was hooked and my luck held. In 1977, Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin established the Center for the Book
in the Library of Congress and asked me to be its founding director!
The Center for the Book is a small, catalytic office and a pioneering example
of a public-private partnership. Its mission is to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books,
reading, literacy, and libraries. My views about the importance of reading and literacy have been shaped by the 25 years I have spent as its
director. In addition to activities at the Library of Congress, the Center for the Book operates through two national networks: 1) statewide
affiliations with 44 states (so far!) and the District of Columbia, and 2) more than 90 national organizations that serve as our reading promotion
partners. We suggest a variety of nationwide project and partnership opportunities to our affiliates and national reading promotion partners.
Our overall program is presented on our Web site (www.loc.gov/cfbook), along with information about how individuals and organizations can
participate in specific projects such as Telling America's Stories, the national reading promotion campaign for 2001-2003. First Lady
Laura Bush is honorary chair of Telling America's Stories, which is co-sponsored with the Library's American Folklife Center and linked to the
Library of Congress's interactive American history Web site for families and kids (www.americaslibrary.gov).
Here are some tips for literacy leaders as well as for parents.
Never underestimate the importance of advocacy of actively and enthusiastically promoting reading and literacy. Look for partnerships:
they are the best way of reaching the grassroots/local level (which is essential) and of succeeding with individual projects. Consider your
local library as a potential partner; libraries are rich but often overlooked resources. Finally, take advantage of new technologies and find
and emphasize ways that they can facilitate and introduce people to the world of words, reading, and literacy.
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