Saline area briefs

Brown Bags & Books will kick off Jan. 26

The Harrisburg District Library will kick off its annual Brown Bags & Book series at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 26, with a review of the book, "Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic," by Dr. Scott Gotlieb. The reviewer is Kelly Phelps. Join us at the library or view the program in real-time on Harrisburg District Library's Facebook page. The program will also be available later at www.harrisburglibrary.org.

Brown Bags & Books is held every fourth Wednesday through October with an interesting selection of books by local reviewers. Bring a sack lunch or enjoy the light refreshments provided by the library.

Masks and social distancing will be implemented. Call (618) 253-7455 to reserve your spot.

College student achievements

• Baylee N. Sutton of Norris City, a junior at Western Illinois University, was named to the dean's list for the fall 2021 semester

• University of Tennessee at Martin has named two local students to the Chancellor's Honor Roll. Gabrielle R. Roberts, Buncombe, achieved Highest Honors, and Hunter J. Biggerstaff, Eldorado, achieved Honors.

• Christina Eddington of Golconda was named to Southern New Hampshire University's fall 2021 dean's list.

Local libraries get pandemic grants

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded nearly $6 million to libraries focused on responding directly to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces and developing resources for their local recovering workforce. "I applaud the library community in Illinois for their hard work as they continue to provide essential services during this challenging time," White said. Carrier Mills-Stonefort Public Library District has been awarded $19,940; Eldorado Memorial Public Library District has been awarded $22,303; and Golconda Pope County CUSD 1 has been awarded $29,917.