Thanks to Union Elks Lodge #1321, the ability to enjoy reading just became a little easier for elderly or sight impaired users of the Union County Carnegie Library.

The lodge presented a check for $500 to County Librarian Nancy Rosenwald, which she is using to purchase large print books.

Mrs. Rosenwald said the library had a great need for the books and the donation from the Elks is much appreciated. She said 27 books have been purchased.

“Large print books help folks who are visually impaired, those who read more slowly than others and for people who just want to take a book outside and read,” she said. “We have a large group of large print readers and we had not been able to purchase for them this year because of budget restrictions.”

Among the books purchased are fiction and non-fiction titles and biographies.

The National Elks support the Elks National Foundation. Each Elk across the United States is asked to support the Foundation yearly by donating a set amount. When a lodge gives more than the minimum for the year, the lodge is eligible to receive a grant from the Elks National Foundation. Union Elks Lodge #1321 surpassed the goal set by the National Grand Exalted Ruler (or president) for the past year, so the lodge was eligible for the grant. Union Lodge National Foundation Chairman Jim Cunningham got together the necessary information for the grant. Local Elks felt that the library, especially in light of its recent selection as “Best Small Library in America” was a good organization to assist.

“We are pleased that Union Lodge #1321 can make a contribution to the Union Carnegie Library in an area that is of special need,” Cunningham said.

Union Lodge President Terry Wade agreed.

“We need to help the community and the library is a very good choice because they have purchased books that will be used by the people of Union County,” he said.

The Elks National Foundation serves many needs in the organization. Awarding of educational scholarships on the national level is an important function of the foundation. The Elks are second only to the United States government in money donated for scholarships. The foundation also helps to educate the children of deceased Elks.

Other officers of the local lodge with Wade and Cunningham are Becky Wade, treasurer; Jeff Atkinson, secretary, and trustees Don Davis, Terry Blackwell, Robbie Blackwell, Don West and Tim Henderson.