St. Elmo Wins Cavaletto's Summer Reading Program

Print

Published on January 3 2017 2:31 pm
Last Updated on January 3 2017 2:31 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

State Representative John Cavaletto (R-Salem), announced today that for the third year in a row, St. Elmo Public Library District has had the highest number of student participants in his Summer Reading Club! 15 libraries in 11 library districts participated this year representing 13 communities around the 107th District including: Altamont, Brownstown, Centralia, Effingham, Farina, Greenville, Ramsey, Salem, Shumway, Smithboro, St. Elmo, Vandalia and Vernon.

“Congratulations to St. Elmo and a big Thank You to all of the library directors who work hard to encourage children to read,” said Rep. Cavaletto, a retired teacher, coach and administrator for 38 years. “The Summer Reading Club encourages 1st through 5th graders to continue reading throughout their summer vacation and encourages children to read everything from poetry and biographies to science, nature and mysteries. I believe reading exposes young people to the world and helps develop their reasoning and critical thinking abilities,” added Cavaletto.

The St. Elmo Public Library District now has 3 libraries—St. Elmo Public Library, Beecher City Branch Library and Brownstown Branch Library and serves over 6,000 people. There are over 50,000 books on the shelves and up-to-date public access computers. In addition the libraries subscribe to nearly 30 magazines and local newspapers. Also available for checkout are DVDs and audio books. Each library has a children’s area and offers various programs and crafts year round. The District also belongs to Southern Illinois Libraries on the Go which gives access to many eBooks.

St. Elmo is in the heart of the Loudon oil pool which was the 2nd largest oil pool in the contiguous United States, has two railroads, agriculture, and had an airport where Charles Lindbergh landed to visit a friend who lived in St. Elmo. It was also the home for the Kanatzer bloodhounds.