Barbara Bush Foundation Celebrates Former First Lady's 100th Birthday with Reading Event in Maine
On June 10, 2025, the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy organized the Maine Celebration of Reading, an event aimed at honoring the centennial of Barbara Bush, the beloved former First Lady of the United States, at the Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel, Maine. This event was part of a larger three-day celebration in the scenic Kennebunkport area, which holds special memories for the Bush family.
The gathering saw an impressive lineup of distinguished authors, including bestselling writers such as Claire Lombardo, Dani Shapiro, and Chris Whitaker, all highlighting the significance of literacy in transforming lives. The presence of Jenna Bush Hager, who delivered a heartfelt video message, further underscored the impact Barbara had on her family and beyond. In her message, Jenna reflected on her grandmother's emphasis on reading as a gateway to change, emphasizing its role in shaping hearts and minds.
Claire Lombardo expressed the importance of reading in personal development, noting, "Books make us better people, full stop." This sentiment resonated with many attendees, emphasizing how literacy fosters imagination, empowerment, and empathy among individuals. Dani Shapiro shared her own personal journey, stating, "Reading was my education, a gateway to my interior world and my salvation," portraying books as vital portals to understanding diverse cultures and perspectives. Chris Whitaker, a recent literary star with his novel All the Colors of the Dark, mentioned the solace that reading and writing have provided him during challenging times. He passionately affirmed that access to literacy is a gift everyone deserves, thanking the Foundation for its pivotal role in promoting this essential cause.
The event was hosted by Doro Bush Koch, Barbara Bush's daughter, who serves as the honorary chair of the Foundation. She reminisced about her mother's legacy in the state, acknowledging that while her mother preferred modest celebrations for her birthdays, she devoted her life to advocating for literacy. "It is particularly meaningful to honor my mother here in Maine, where my family has made countless special memories over the years," Doro shared, appreciating the community's support for a cause close to Barbara's heart.
Throughout the year 2025, the Barbara Bush Foundation is commemorating the centennial of Barbara Bush through various events, propaganda, and readings aimed at spreading her message of the importance of literacy across the nation. Following the Maine event, the Foundation has also organized gatherings in cities such as New York and Miami, with a grand finale, the National Celebration of Reading, scheduled for November 6 in Washington, D.C.
In addition to the Celebration of Reading, the Foundation collaborated with local organizations to provide family literacy activities, including story times and various resource kits designed to encourage reading at home. This initiative, known as the Literacy Explorer Kits, aspires to reach 100 sites nationwide, delivering essential tools and materials to facilitate family literacy events in libraries and community centers.
The Barbara Bush Foundation has long been a key advocate for family literacy, having invested over $6 million in literacy programs across Maine alone in the past two decades, impacting over 300 family literacy initiatives. With its ongoing commitment to fostering literacy and education, the Foundation continues to honor Barbara Bush’s legacy by championing the cause of empowering families through reading and writing.
As the Foundation moves forward in celebrating Barbara Bush's life, it remains dedicated to the vision of creating a world where every family can enjoy the joys of reading and the opportunities it brings, ensuring Barbara's influence continues to inspire individuals and communities everywhere.
The gathering saw an impressive lineup of distinguished authors, including bestselling writers such as Claire Lombardo, Dani Shapiro, and Chris Whitaker, all highlighting the significance of literacy in transforming lives. The presence of Jenna Bush Hager, who delivered a heartfelt video message, further underscored the impact Barbara had on her family and beyond. In her message, Jenna reflected on her grandmother's emphasis on reading as a gateway to change, emphasizing its role in shaping hearts and minds.
Claire Lombardo expressed the importance of reading in personal development, noting, "Books make us better people, full stop." This sentiment resonated with many attendees, emphasizing how literacy fosters imagination, empowerment, and empathy among individuals. Dani Shapiro shared her own personal journey, stating, "Reading was my education, a gateway to my interior world and my salvation," portraying books as vital portals to understanding diverse cultures and perspectives. Chris Whitaker, a recent literary star with his novel All the Colors of the Dark, mentioned the solace that reading and writing have provided him during challenging times. He passionately affirmed that access to literacy is a gift everyone deserves, thanking the Foundation for its pivotal role in promoting this essential cause.
The event was hosted by Doro Bush Koch, Barbara Bush's daughter, who serves as the honorary chair of the Foundation. She reminisced about her mother's legacy in the state, acknowledging that while her mother preferred modest celebrations for her birthdays, she devoted her life to advocating for literacy. "It is particularly meaningful to honor my mother here in Maine, where my family has made countless special memories over the years," Doro shared, appreciating the community's support for a cause close to Barbara's heart.
Throughout the year 2025, the Barbara Bush Foundation is commemorating the centennial of Barbara Bush through various events, propaganda, and readings aimed at spreading her message of the importance of literacy across the nation. Following the Maine event, the Foundation has also organized gatherings in cities such as New York and Miami, with a grand finale, the National Celebration of Reading, scheduled for November 6 in Washington, D.C.
In addition to the Celebration of Reading, the Foundation collaborated with local organizations to provide family literacy activities, including story times and various resource kits designed to encourage reading at home. This initiative, known as the Literacy Explorer Kits, aspires to reach 100 sites nationwide, delivering essential tools and materials to facilitate family literacy events in libraries and community centers.
The Barbara Bush Foundation has long been a key advocate for family literacy, having invested over $6 million in literacy programs across Maine alone in the past two decades, impacting over 300 family literacy initiatives. With its ongoing commitment to fostering literacy and education, the Foundation continues to honor Barbara Bush’s legacy by championing the cause of empowering families through reading and writing.
As the Foundation moves forward in celebrating Barbara Bush's life, it remains dedicated to the vision of creating a world where every family can enjoy the joys of reading and the opportunities it brings, ensuring Barbara's influence continues to inspire individuals and communities everywhere.
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