Smithsonian Libraries Honors David and Michelle Baldacci
The Smithsonian Libraries will present bestselling author David Baldacci and his wife Michelle with the Smithsonian Libraries Legend Award at the “All That Glitters: Adopt-a-Book Evening” event Tuesday, March 6, at 6 p.m. at the Smithsonian Castle. The award is given in celebration of the Smithsonian Libraries’ 50th anniversary year.
The Baldaccis are the first recipients of the Legend Award, which honors those who have made exemplary contributions to the world of libraries and knowledge-sharing. The Baldaccis are dedicated to promoting libraries and literacy through their Wish You Well Foundation. David Baldacci is also honorary chair of the Smithsonian Libraries’ 50th anniversary Gilded Circle.
“David and Michelle Baldacci have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in advancing literacy and education,” said Nancy E. Gwinn, director of Smithsonian Libraries. “Their outstanding work improves lives and communities around the country. I am delighted to recognize their achievements as they help us celebrate this special occasion.”
“Michelle and I are thrilled to be recipients of the Legend Award,” said David Baldacci. “Our relationship with the Smithsonian Libraries goes back a long way, and we are truly honored to be part of the Libraries’ 50th anniversary celebration.”
Smithsonian Secretary David J. Skorton will present the award to the Baldaccis at the event, where guests will have a unique opportunity to peruse rare, hand-selected volumes from the vaults of Smithsonian’s collections while mingling with librarians, curators and conservators. For more information and tickets, visit the Smithsonian Libraries website or call 202-633-2241.
About the Smithsonian Libraries
The Smithsonian Libraries maintains a collection of more than 2 million volumes and serves as an educational resource for the Smithsonian Institution, the global research community and the public. The Libraries are located in Washington, D.C.; Edgewater, Md.; New York City; and the Republic of Panama. Connect with the Libraries at library.si.edu, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and the Smithsonian Libraries Unbound blog.
About the Wish You Well Foundation
Established by Baldacci and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of literacy and educational programs. In 2008, the foundation partnered with Feeding America to launch Feeding Body & Mind, a program to address the connection between literacy, poverty and hunger. Through Feeding Body & Mind, more than 1 million new and gently used books have been collected and distributed through food banks to families in need.
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