MANATEE COUNTY, FL (February 20, 2025) – The Library Foundation of Manatee County will welcome humanitarian, correspondent and best-selling author Jenna Bush Hager as the featured speaker at its fundraising luncheon, Booked for Lunch: Supporting Manatee Libraries. The event will take place on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the GROVE ballroom in Lakewood Ranch.
Proceeds from the luncheon will support literacy initiatives for children and teens, as well as collection acquisitions for Manatee County Library’s new bookmobile, which will expand library services to underserved areas of the county.
Hager, raised in the White House alongside her twin sister, Barbara, developed a strong sense of purpose early on. As the daughter and granddaughter of U.S. presidents, she carries a personal legacy of public service. From her early experience as a UNICEF intern in South America to her current role as Chair of UNICEF’s Next Generation initiative, she has traveled the world witnessing firsthand how small actions can create meaningful change.
A best-selling author, co-author, former teacher and advocate for education, Hager shares her passion for service, inspiring young leaders to give back to their schools and communities. Her latest New York Times bestseller,
Everything Beautiful in Its Time, offers touching and humorous reflections on the wisdom of her beloved grandparents. She currently co-hosts NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Friends and serves as an editor-at-large for
Southern Living magazine.
“Supporting literacy initiatives for youth in our community is paramount,” said Manatee County District 2 Commissioner Amanda Ballard. “Ensuring that the next generation is educated and well-informed gives Manatee County a competitive advantage. I’m delighted to welcome Jenna Bush Hager to our community and to raise funds to fill our new bookmobile!”
The Library Foundation of Manatee County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1985 to foster excellence in Manatee County’s public libraries through private support and public advocacy. Some of the Foundation’s recent library programs include providing leadership support for the new Lakewood Ranch Library collection and assistance with funding for the Summer Learning Program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, StoryWalk and ESOL classes. The Foundation aims to continue expanding Manatee Libraries’ youth reading programs by increasing participation in existing initiatives and introducing 500 Books Before Middle School.
Tickets for Booked for Lunch 2025 are available now at
manateelibraryfoundation.org. Sponsorships for the April 4th event can be reserved by contacting Executive Director Emma Hartman at
[email protected].