Goddard Riverside, a community-driven organization tackling poverty and promoting learning in Manhattan, honored Baker & Taylor President David Cully at their annual Book Fair Gala on Wednesday, November 1.

This great honor recognizes Cully for his commitment to literacy in the classroom and beyond, and for his lifelong love of books and the transformational ability books possess for communities. Most of Cully’s work has been focused on books, but in the early days of his career, he was a teacher working with high school and fifth grade students. At Baker & Taylor, he pulls together both backgrounds with programs like Community Share, which helps libraries share their digital book collections with their local public schools.

Goddard Riverside’s partnership with publishers began over 30 years ago with many of the largest publishing houses teamed up to tackle homelessness and poverty through the annual Book Fair, which this year was held on November 18 and 19.

“I think it’s really a natural partnership, because of the importance of early childhood literacy,” said Cully. “It’s a very humbling thing to be part of a system that’s breaking the cycle of poverty.”

Goddard Riverside’s ultimate goal is to transform lives, and help individuals reach their greatest potential. Through their partnership with publishers—and with Cully and Baker & Taylor—they’re able to get one step closer.