Frontpage News from the Consulate

June 6, 2007. First Lady Laura Bush presented a collection of 100 books in English and spoke to around 60 children as part of the launch of the "America @ your library" program at the Schwerin City Library in Schwerin, Germany.
America@yourlibrary is a partnership initiative between the U.S. Embassy and public libraries in Germany which highlights the proactive role of libraries as centers for learning, information and entertainment.  Mrs. Bush, a former librarian and founder of the Laura Bush Foundation for Libraries, accompanied President Bush to Germany for the G8 summit. "I think literature is very, very important for all people to read, because I think the more we read, the more we understand other ideas and other people," the First Lady said in her remarks. The donated books, many of them for children, were chosen to provide stories and background on American history, culture, and society.
The First Lady’s participation was widely reported in the regional and national press, drawing national attention to the A@YL program and Mission Germany’s support for education and youth outreach.
Before the ribbon-cutting with Schwerin Mayor Norbert Claussen and Chief Librarian Heidrun Hamann, Mrs. Bush cheerfully responded to questions raised by 5th – 6th grade students from Gymnasium Fridericianum and Regional School Erich Weinert.

Watch the Video here and read more about this very special event:

Homepage of the White House

U.S. Mission Homepage

American Library Association

Homepage City of Schwerin

Homepage of the City Library Schwerin including German Press coverage