PALM CITY – The Library Foundation of Martin County and Knight Kiplinger honored May Smyth as the 2019 recipient of the Kiplinger Literacy Award on January 28 at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City.

The Literacy Award Luncheon is a highly anticipated annual event as Kiplinger, editor-in-chief of Kiplinger Publications, serves as keynote speaker and provides attendees with some of his well-informed perspectives on finance and politics.

This year, Kiplinger’s remarks to a full-capacity audience focused on the aging of the U.S. population, immigration policy and private savings rates.

On accepting her award, May Smyth said she wished everyone could enjoy the benefits of literacy, regardless of their status. “I think literacy and libraries are made for each other, even in this age of high tech.” In closing, Smyth acknowledged the efforts of all supporters of literacy programs. “To all of you who actively support the Library Foundation of Martin County, thank you so much. Please know that you are helping change lives and society for the better.”

Kiplinger had warm words of praise for Smyth’s contributions to the foundation’s work. “What a remarkable honoree you are, and we’ve had a decade of wonderful honorees,” he said. “Rarely have we seen the combination of professional service and volunteer service that you bring to this. It’s really a model to emulate for all of us.”

May Smyth and her husband Vincent discovered Martin County as tourists more than 25 years ago. Five years later, they began a new life here as snowbirds when they joined the Sailfish Point community.

May has a master’s degree in library science and was active in arts in education programs in New York. She served on the Library Foundation board of directors for three three-year terms, chaired three consecutive fundraising galas and was instrumental in the establishment of the Founders Society, the crucial fundraising arm of the Library Foundation.

“May’s contributions to literacy in Martin County go far beyond fundraising and board service,” said Stacy Ranieri, president of the foundation’s board of directors. “Her enthusiasm, leadership and creativity have inspired us all. We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognize May for all of her past and current contributions to literacy in Martin County.”

About The Library Foundation of Martin County
Founded in 1992, the mission of The Library Foundation of Martin County, Inc. is to acquire and administer funds to enrich library services and facilities not met by public funding and to endow the library system for future generations. In addition to the Kiplinger Literary Award Luncheon, the foundation hosts the annual A Literary Affair dinner in March in conjunction with the Book Mania! Festival and a Young Literary Leaders awards event. For more information, visit http://www.libraryfoundationmc.org.

This article was distributed through Treasure Coast Business, a news service for the readers and advertisers of Indian River Magazine.