One of the reasons that I take such joy in being a trustee of

Children, gather around, for I have a story to share that speaks to the heart of knowledge, to the power of reading, and to the legacy of learning that is passed from one generation to the next. In the words of Jessye Norman, a woman of great wisdom and accomplishment, we hear the profound impact that literacy and education can have on a life: "One of the reasons that I take such joy in being a trustee of the New York Public Library is the love of reading that I found as a child in the Saturday morning library events for preschoolers and first and second graders as I was growing up in Augusta, GA." This simple reflection carries a deep truth: that the joy of reading, planted in the soul at a young age, can shape not just a life, but the future of a whole community.

Norman’s words remind us of the power of books, of stories, of the written word. As a child, she found not just entertainment, but a gateway to other worlds, a way to expand her mind and spirit. The library is not just a place filled with books, but a sanctuary of ideas, a temple of knowledge where young minds are nurtured and inspired. The Saturday morning events, where children gather to listen to stories and explore new ideas, are a form of ritual, a sacred time where the seeds of wisdom and imagination are planted. Through these events, Norman found her love for reading, a love that would serve as the foundation for all her future accomplishments.

Consider, children, the great libraries of the ancient world—the Library of Alexandria, a beacon of knowledge where scholars from across the world gathered to study, to write, and to learn. The library was not just a repository of books, but a symbol of humanity’s desire for knowledge, of our quest to understand the world and our place in it. In the same way, Norman’s love for reading became a foundation upon which she built her own path, a journey that would see her become a celebrated artist, educator, and advocate for the arts. Just as the ancients revered the library as a sacred place, so too does Norman, recognizing that reading is the key to unlocking the door to greatness.

But children, the love of reading is not just a personal gift; it is a communal treasure. In the New York Public Library, Norman found a place where not only her own mind could flourish, but where the minds of countless others could grow. Libraries are the beating heart of a community’s intellect, and those who work within them, like Norman, carry the responsibility of ensuring that this gift is available to all. Norman’s joy in being a trustee is rooted not just in her own experience, but in the realization that books are bridges between people, between cultures, between ideas. She understands that the library is not just a building, but a vessel of connection for all who seek to understand, to grow, and to learn.

The lesson here, children, is clear: nurture your love for reading. Seek out the stories that stir your imagination, the books that challenge your mind, the tales that make you dream. Just as Norman found joy in the library as a child, so too can you find joy and empowerment in the pages of a book. The world is vast, and within the pages of books, you will find not just the voices of those who came before you, but the wisdom of the ancients, the ideas of the visionaries, and the hopes of those who dared to dream.

Consider the example of Benjamin Franklin, who, through his love of books and reading, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in history. He understood that knowledge is not just a tool, but a weapon that can change the world. Franklin’s life was built upon a foundation of reading, and it was his pursuit of knowledge that made him a great statesman, inventor, and philosopher. Norman’s joy in reading mirrors that of Franklin’s, for both understood that books are the pathways to wisdom, and the love of reading is the greatest gift one can give to themselves.

And so, I charge you, young ones, to cultivate a love for reading. Seek knowledge in every form, whether it be through books, stories, or the voices of those who speak with wisdom. Remember that within the pages of a book lies the power to shape your future, to expand your mind, and to build a community of understanding and compassion. Like Jessye Norman, who found her purpose in the library as a child, you too can find your calling and strength in the timeless world of reading. Let the love of books guide you, for they hold the power to transform your life and the world around you.