First Lady Pool Reports of July 12, 2022

FLOTUS Pool Report #1

Good morning colleagues!

I am your pooler for First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's visit with the First Lady of Mexico, Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller, at the Library of Congress. The First Ladies will be touring artifacts related to the U.S./Mexico relationship.
We were tested and have been swept by security.

We are now gathered in Great Hall awaiting the arrival of the First Ladies. Current time is 11:33 am ET.

We are told the First Ladies have departed and are en route. They are expected to arrive at approximately 11:41 am.

FLOTUS Pool Report #2

The First Ladies entered Great Hall at 11:36 a.m. They were greeted by Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden.

Dr. Biden is wearing a purple blazer and floral dress. The First Lady of Mexico is wearing a gray dress suit.

Dr. Hayden is giving the First Ladies a bit of a history of the building. They are admiring the light fixtures.

FLOTUS Pool Report #3

Dr. Biden and First Lady Muller we're also joined by Muller's translator at 11:40 am.

Dr. Biden introduced herself, saying, "Hi, I'm Jill." The translator responded comically, "Yes, I know." There were some giggles after that exchange.

FLOTUS Pool Report #4

At 11:44 am, the First Ladies toured the Gutenberg Bible.

They then entered the Reading Room at the 11:50 am. "This is amazing," said Dr. Biden.

Dr. Hayden talked about its network of scholars. Dr. Biden recalled the days of when she was a "Senate spouse."

First Lady Muller is taking a lot of video and photos as she tours.

The tour guide pointed out a number of Americans memorialized as statues in the Reading Room.

FLOTUS Pool Report #5

Additional background from the office of the First Lady:

The First Lady and Dr. Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller, the spouse of the President of Mexico, visited the Library of Congress today. Dr. Gutiérrez visited the White House on May 5, 2022, to meet with Dr. Biden and attend a reception celebrating Cinco de Mayo. During their meeting, Dr. Gutiérrez expressed an interest in libraries.

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At 11:58am, the First Ladies walked inside of the Members Room to sign the guest book. Library staff then showed what appeared to be mostly Mexican artifacts, books and art along a line of table displays to Dr. Biden and Dr. Gutiérrez.

At 12:12 during the exhibition, Dr. Biden inquired about whether they buy the artwork or if they are donated. She was told by a staff that it's a mix of both.

One artist in particular that seemed to be of interest to Dr. Biden is Ester Hernandez. She inquired about her name to ensure she would remember.

FLOTUS Pool Report #6

At 12:15 pm, Dr. Biden and Dr. Gutierrez were shown photographs from national and international photographers.

Library staff told a story of one photographer who dressed up as Hello Kitty.

Responding to one photograph from a Peruvian photographer, Dr. Biden said, "I love the children."

FLOTUS Pool Report #7

The pool was pulled from the Members Room at 12:21 pm while Dr. Biden and Dr. Gutierrez finished up the last of the table displays.

We are being held in a library room awaiting the First Ladies' departure.

FLOTUS Pool Report #8

Dr. Biden and Dr. Gutierrez departed the Members Room at 12:36 pm and headed to their vehicles.

A lid was called at 12:47 pm.