Maine Celebration of Reading - Barbara Bush Foundation

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June 10, 2025

Maine Celebration of Reading

On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, we gathered with friends and supporters for a very special Centennial Celebration of Reading at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre. This signature event, held to raise support for the Barbara Bush Foundation’s nationwide literacy work, featured appearances by New York Times bestselling authors and special guests including Claire Lombardo, Dani Shapiro, and Chris Whitaker, as well as a video message from Jenna Bush Hager.

Read more about this event here.

Barbara Bush Foundation President Andrew Roberts with Chris Whitaker, Doro Bush Koch, Dani Shapiro, and Claire Lombardo at the Maine Celebration of Reading

Ali Velshi and Lori Wachs inside Vinegar Hill Music Theatre

Jean Becker, Former Chief of Staff to President George H.W. Bush, hosts a panel "Remembering Barbara Bush"

Author Claire Lombardo takes the stage

Dani Shapiro speaks about the critical importance of reading

Chris Whitaker discusses his lifelong connection to libraries

A Yearlong Celebration

In honor of our founder’s 100th birthday, we look forward to gathering with friends and supporters in five cities to celebrate Barbara Bush’s extraordinary legacy of literacy and reaffirm our shared commitment to carrying on the work that she began.

Click here to learn more.

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