National Medal Winner
Charren, Peggy, Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1995Public library card
"I would add...a Library card. Digital technology is transforming local libraries into communication centers, helping to close the information gap between the rich and the poor, and providing access to knowledge and to international conversations where language differences will no longer be a barrier to understanding. Children from diverse cultures will get to know each other, exchanging the songs and games that enrich their lives. My hope, however, is that in a world of virtual libraries, there will continue to be shelves filled with delicious books for parents to read to their children, and that there will still be librarians to help our young people discover the stories that will remind them or our past and prepare them to live together in peace and freedom."