MaryLee Montalvo- Co-Chair, First Book-Staten Island. The Staten Island Reading Association named First Book-Staten Island Co-Chairperson, MaryLee Montalvo Community Literacy Advocate by presenting her with the 2008 Literacy Advocate Award at their 54th annual Staten Island Reading Association Author’s Dinner on April 16, 2008. The annual dinner’s keynote speaker was Roni Schotter, author of 26 books, mostly children’s books.  Her most popular book is Nothing Ever Happens on 90th Street and she presented signed copies of the book to each guest.  The tables were adorned with centerpieces that children created using themes from her books.

MaryLee, co founded the Advisory Board for Staten Island in 1999 with co-chair Carol Mayora. MaryLee owns her a public relations company in New York. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Staten Island, president-elect of the Staten Island Children’s Museum and is currently co-author of a column for the local newspaper about children and reading called Read All About It.  The proceeds from the publications benefit First Book.

MaryLee consistently shows her commitment to literacy and reading through her community activities and with her own family. She has said “I couldn’t imagine what my childhood would have been like without the books my parents provided and the nightly reading time ritual we had.  I have continued this with my own daughter and believe every child deserves and needs books in their world, or their world is incomplete.” Congratulations and thank you for the difference you have made in Staten Island!