The only child of Harold and Jenna Welch, Laura Bush was born and raised in Midland, Texas. Never particularly interested in politics, Laura worked as an elementary school teacher and librarian before marrying George W. Bush (just three months after they started dating) in 1977. As first lady of Texas, she helped organize the first annual Texas Book Festival (a fundraiser for public libraries) and launched early childhood development initiatives. She continues to advocate reading, libraries, and education as first lady of the United States. Laura, who earned a master's degree in library science, is only the second first lady to hold a graduate degree and was the first first lady to record a full presidential radio address.