The Central City Grade School Volunteer Librarian has been selected for the 2025 Illinois Principals Association Kaskaskia Region ‘Friend of Education’ award.
Ann McCullum was looking for a place to volunteer after her youngest grandson she was watching entered grade school at Central City. She found the librarian position and is still there nine years later.
“I was really surprised. I feel very honored. I’m sure there are other people who do much more than I do. I do enjoy it here. I enjoy working with the kids and I love to read, so I hope I’m passing some of that on to these kids.”
McCullum described what her work as librarian entails:
“I look for new books, I work the Scholastic Book Fair, I go to the classrooms and collect books and reshelve them. When children come to the library looking for a book, if I can assist, I help that way.”
McCullum was no stranger to education when she came to Central City School. She retired after teaching 34 years in the Odin School system.
McCullum was nominated by Central City Principal Haylee Helm who said McCullum has truly gone above and beyond for the school community by creating a welcoming space where students can explore, learn and grow as readers. Helm says what makes her impact even more special is her generosity by using her own money to buy new books, ensuring the kids have access to engaging stories and often fulfilling student requests to make sure they have the stories they are most excited about.
