The couple read The Word Collector, which they chose because “it illustrates the transformative power of words”.
“I love words,” says the former president.
Michelle even teases her husband at the end of reading the book, saying Barack “looks kind of like” the story’s protagonist Jerome.
“They have the same ears,” says Michelle.
“Mine are a little bigger than Jerome’s,” replied Obama, to which Michelle says, “A lot bigger.”
The couple used the opportunity to outline the importance of public libraries.
“I remember my first trip to the library and how important I felt. It was around age four. My library card was a key that unlocked a world of knowledge and experiences,” Michelle said.
Barack added, “Public libraries are essential institutions and that’s why we’re bring a new branch of the Chicago Public Library to the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side.
“When it opens, it will give families one more chance to explore their interests, learn and engage with their communities.”
Watch their reading of The Word Collector here:
Michelle and I want to do our part to give all you parents a break today, so we’re reading “The Word Collector” for @chipublib. It’s a fun book that vividly illustrates the transformative power of words––and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. pic.twitter.com/ADYbL6Dzg4
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 14, 2020
