“A love of books — of holding a book, turning its pages, looking at its pictures, and living its fascinating stories — goes hand-in-hand with a love of learning.”
Laura Bush
Laura Lane Welch Bush
Years of service: 2001-2009
Born: 1946
Years of service: 2001-2009
Born: 1946
Laura Welch’s early career as a schoolteacher, then a school librarian, made children’s literacy a priority during her tenure as First Lady. The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries continues to provide funds to school libraries affected by economic hardship and natural disasters. After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Laura became “comforter-in-chief” for many Americans. When war began in Afghanistan, she addressed the nation about the Taliban’s mistreatment of women and children. Laura focused on women’s health issues as an ambassador for The Heart Truth, which brought public awareness of women’s heart disease. She also initiated breast cancer research partnerships with other countries around the world.