May Smyth will be honored as the 2019 recipient of the Kiplinger Literacy Award on January 28.
Credit: The Library Foundation of Martin County
STUART – Mary “May” Smyth will be honored by The Library Foundation of Martin County as the 2019 recipient of the Kiplinger Literacy Award on Jan. 28, 2019. The award will be presented at the Kiplinger Literacy Award Luncheon, held at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. Knight Kiplinger, editor-in-chief of Kiplinger Publications, will be the keynote speaker.
“Over the years, May has dedicated her considerable energies to ensuring that the foundation continues to thrive. Her leadership and support help provide the necessary resources for many of the essential literacy programs available through the Martin County Library System,” said Stacy Ranieri, president of the foundation’s board of directors. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to recognize May for her many contributions to literacy in Martin County.”
“Our libraries are true gems of Martin County. Libraries and literacy are two things I am passionate about. I feel fortunate to be able to support the efforts of the Library Foundation in sharing these passions with all of Martin County,” said Smyth.
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 loves to travel and worked for American Airlines after college. Her most memorable trip was a 21-day around-the-world trip.
Smyth served on the Library Foundation board of directors for three three-year terms. She chaired three consecutive fundraising galas and was instrumental in the establishment of the Founders Society, the crucial fundraising arm of the Library Foundation. Her favorite event is BookMania!, the foundation’s free-of-charge annual event. “It is fascinating to hear the authors talk and to learn about what motivates them to write,” said Smyth.
Keynote speaker Knight Kiplinger has deep roots in Martin County and an enduring connection to the Library Foundation. The Kiplinger family has been a part of the Treasure Coast since 1952 when Kiplinger’s grandfather was seeking a refuge from the “hubbub” of Washington, D.C. Among the family’s many contributions to the area was a plot of land on East Ocean Boulevard in Stuart for the construction of the county’s first library.
Kiplinger’s remarks will offer attendees a unique ringside perspective on the leaders and policies that shape our future. The Kiplinger Letter is the most widely read and longest-published business forecasting publication in the world. Among the company’s many accolades, Kiplinger Publications was named one of America’s most ethical companies in 2009 by Ethisphere Magazine.
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 Literacy Award Luncheon, the foundation hosts the annual A Literary Affair dinner in March in conjunction with the BookMania! 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.