Ike Skelton paid a visit to the Marshall Public Library Friday, May 9, for the unveiling of the "We The People" Bookshelf, a series of 17 literary works focused on the theme "Created Equal."

"I think 'congratulations' says it all," said Skelton.

The collection was awarded to Marshall Public Library through a grant from the American Library Association.

Bobbie Mackey, children's services coordinator, applied for the grant in January and was especially pleased to be receiving the free materials.

"We're having a lot of fun with it," she said. "It's been very exciting."

Mackey plans to incorporate the books into the Marshall Public Library's summer reading program "Catch the Reading Bug."

Skelton stressed how important these reading materials will be to the youth of Marshall.

"When you get a young person in the habit of reading, that habit never leaves," he said.

State Rep. Joe Aull was also onhand to offer some congratulatory remarks of his own.

"I know you worked hard, and you're doing a good job," Aull said, referring to Mackey's pursuit of the grant. "Encouraging young people to read is one of the most important things we can do."

The "Created Equal" theme informs children about the struggle for equality and civil rights.

"It's always good to get kids involved with history," Aull remarked.

The "We The People" grant was awarded to 3,000 public libraries throughout the United States.

Contact Travis Watts at marshallreporter@socket.net