The Missouri Center for the Book (MCB) board of directors elected me to a three-year term at the March meeting. Librarians and college professors dominate the 18-member board, so part of my function will be to work with the writing community.

MCB is an affiliate of the National Center for the Book, Library of Congress. In Missouri, the mission is to

• bring together authors, publishers, librarians, scholars, teachers and readers;
• promote the state’s literary heritage and community of the book;
• promote public interest in books, reading and libraries;
• strengthen and celebrate the role of books in the human endeavor;
• recognize the contributions of Missourians involved in the literary arts.

As a child, I read any book I could get my hands on and longed for more. Books entertained and educated me and became a crucial part of my life. It’s an honor and an obligation to work to bring such experiences to others.