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BRYN MAWR, Pennsylvania — On May 2, 2016, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi was given United for Libraries’ Public Service Award for her support for libraries of all types in Washington, D.C. Though Pelosi was unable to accept the award, her policy advisor, Patricia Ross, came in her stead.

Ross read a letter from Pelosi that stated in part, “Libraries are sacred places of knowledge and literacy, memory and creativity; places that have educated, engaged and strengthened the minds and hearts of their visitors; places that offer the whole wisdom of humanity to anyone with a library card. They bring our communities together and are integral to working families as resources and places of life-long learning.”

To read the full letter, visit .

A stalwart advocate of libraries, Pelosi began her career in public service as a board commissioner for the San Francisco Public Library. From 2007 to 2011, Pelosi served as Speaker of the House, the first woman to do so in American history. For 28 years, Pelosi has represented San Francisco, California's 12th District, in Congress. She has led House Democrats for more than 12 years and previously served as House Democratic Whip.

The United for Libraries Public Service Award is given annually during National Library Legislation Day to a member of Congress who has supported library related issues. Past awards have gone to Bernie Sanders, Susan Collins, Richard Durbin, Barbara Boxer, and many others. For more information about the award, visit .

: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the 91´«Ã½ that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, contact Jillian Wentworth at (312) 280-2161 or jwentworth@ala.org.

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