by Dustin Wlodkowski, News Center Maine

Arundel, Maine — The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is celebrating its 20th year in Maine.

The foundation is now a part of 21 literacy programs across the state.

Thursday, it held a party at Arundel’s Vinegar Hill Theatre to celebrate, the first one of its Celebrations of Reading events that have been held across the country.

The organization invited some partner authors from away and just down the street to be part of the event, who thought the cause was worth taking some time out of their Labor Day weekend.

“The Bush family has worked so hard to help people learn to read,” said author Harlan Coben. “Imagine you never read your favorite boo, imagine that you never read it and here we’re giving people a chance to have that experience, it’s great to be here.”

The charity’s CEO says she hopes the event spurs more local support for the organization.

“Over the last 20 years we’ve invested six million dollars in starting programs in Maine,” said Liza McFadden. “Now what we’re doing is, we’re a public charity, we’re also hoping that Mainers will come in and help support programs for youth and families in Maine.”