Lynda Clemmons is responsible for bringing a diverse range of humanities programming to the community of Harrisburg through her work as a volunteer and trustee for the Harrisburg District Library. Among many other activities, Ms. Clemmons spearheaded the regular Library-sponsored "Humanities Nights," which have ranged from a jazz listening and lecture series to a teen discussion of Greek mythology. Ms. Clemmons also brought the "One Community/One Author" program to the Library, which brings together readers from all over Saline County with authors such as Illinoisan Lee Martin and Silas House. As President of Friends of the Library, Ms. Clemmons built support for the passage of two successful referendums, one to raise taxes for the Library in 1996 and another to create a library district in 1997. In addition to her work with the Library, Ms. Clemmons helped resurrect the Cultural Arts Series at Southeastern Illinois College two years ago, once again making touring music, theatre, and dance acts accessible to community residents for an affordable price. According to Mayor Ron Morse, Lynda's efforts "make certain that many in Southeastern Illinois have the opportunity for enriching, educational humanities experiences and that humanities are a visible, integral part of where we live."
Select Illinois Humanities Council programs are now available for listening or download at Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) as a part of Chicago Amplified, a web-based audio library of diverse public events recorded throughout the Chicago region.
