Special words about reading and White Smith Memorial Library

Charlene Siegel, the "Reading Grandma"

Charlene Siegel, a resident of Belleville, Ill., has frequented White Smith Library many times this summer while visiting with her parents who reside in Jackson. Siegel who taught public school for 38 years and understands the value of a library, said that she was very impressed with Jackson's library and its atmosphere.

She vividly remembered one visit to the library when she went in to use the computers and saw some students sitting in on a beading session and reading books that the library has on beading and jewelry making.

On that particular day a family with four children came in and wanted a library card but had no money to pay the $1.50 per card fee. That was when Siegel decided to donate money towards the purchase of library cards for students and senior citizens who could not afford one.

The following are her words about reading: "Being able to read opens you up to a whole new world. Reading affects every aspect of our lives from cooking to carpentry. A person has a sense of pride when they have their own individual library card. My parents instilled in me their values of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I believe in being a lifelong learner. Education liberates you! I saw a need and I just wanted to sew a seed towards a worthwhile cause," she said.

Siegel's grandchildren proudly call her the "Reading Grandma".

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