Books from the Library of Congress donated to Whitebluff Elementary School, Congressman assists
by: JoAnn Merrigan
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Congressman Buddy Carter got a break from reading bills in Washington Friday for something he said was a lot more fun.
He spent time reading a book to youngsters at Whitebluff Elementary School in Savannah, And while this looked like an ordinary book, it was actually special. The book was part of a donation from the Library of Congress.
Earlier this year, the school counselor, Terah Cannon took a trip to the nation's Capitol and visited the Library of Congress. She said during that visit, she found out about a program that donates books to schools around the country. Cannon applied on behalf of her Savannah school and was surprised and pleased to find out the application was accepted.
Ninety books were donated to Whitebluff Elementary and Carter's office assisted in mailing the books to Savannah and picking up the cost.
School officials are thrilled saying the opportunity to read is the best start for a child to be successful throughout his or her lifetime.
"Literacy is so important to these children and now having these (extra) books to actually give them and take them home (is so great.) We're going to put some in our Library here and some of them will be given as awards to the kids so they can take them home to read," said Cannon.
Carter said he enjoyed his visit and that these kinds of events are "the best part of his job."
He did answer questions from the youngsters about his job, including explaining the long process of committee meetings, etc. that a lawmaker may go through to try to get a bill to the floor for a vote. When he asked the children what kind of law they might want to see passed, one little girl said she wanted "one that would outlaw school uniforms." We're not sure if Carter took that under advisement. But now the children may have more books to help inform them about a variety of things, perhaps including how their government works.