Meet Nadine Kelley: Talcott Library Board candidate

Seven candidates are vying for a seat on the Talcott Free Library Board in the April 1 election: Loren Floto, Neala Jensen, Nadine Kelley, Gary Kovanda, Mary-Katherine Lindt, Hilaree Lombardo, and Alicia Ragaller. Five candidates are running for a four year term, and two, for a two year term.

Nadine Kelley

Nadine Kelley has lived in Rockton Township for 45 plus years. Kelley is running for her first two year term.

“I felt this was an area where my background as a mother of six and a Rockton middle school teacher could give good input if elected to the Talcott Library Board,” Kelley said.

“As a middle school teacher I witnessed a slow decline in the number of students to read independently. I would love to develop programs that would reach out to this age group and redevelop a love for reading. I would also like to see Family Night restored.”

Kelley's volunteer work includes working over 10 years on an area board for a Christian women's ministry called Women Aglow. “My role was to start new chapters throughout the northern half of Illinois.” Most of her volunteer work had been with middle schoolers in geography club, running club, church youth group leader. She has also volunteered with a food coop.

Kelley was a teacher at Stephen Mack Middle school. She is now retired.

Kelley has been married to her husband Ken for 57 years. “We made great use of the Talcott Library and our kids and grandkids are now avid readers. I love hiking with my golden retriever Simon.”