Friends of Florence County Library nationally recognized

Friends of Florence County Library was selected as one of five 2008 Baker & Taylor Award winners for “Guess What Friend is Coming to Dinner.”

The entry was based on successful planning, implementation, evaluation, innovation and community involvement.

Friends of Florence County Library were recognized at the American Library Association Annual Conference on July 13 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.

The Friends received a check for $1,000 along with a plaque from Baker & Taylor, the world’s largest information and entertainment service provider.

The organization was one of the nation’s 11 Best Friends Award winners chosen by Friends of Libraries USA.

These public libraries received the “Best Friends Award” based on materials that promote programs and special projects coordinated by Friends groups.

Friends of Florence County Library was recognized for best Special Project Publicity for “South Carolina Celebrities Read,” a poster campaign that features photos of state senators, representatives, speakers and authors reading their favorite books.

The Friends also received recognition for the popular fund raiser, “Guess What Friend is Coming to Dinner,” as well as the Friends Web site, http://www.florencelibrary.org/fofcl/index.html.

Entries for these awards were based on creativity, visual appeal, effectiveness of communication and visibility of Friends Group.

Friends of Florence County Library will be featured in an upcoming issue of “The Voice,” national American Library Association newsletter, once the new Web site launches at http://www.ala.org/altaff.

“The awards recently bestowed upon the Friends of the Florence County Library are a true reflection of the fantastic partnership that exists between library staff, the Friends of the Florence County Library and the greater Florence community,” Florence County Library Director Ray McBride said.

“These national awards represent a lot of hard work and dedication from the Friends of the Florence County Library Board and all of the general membership of the Friends who are dedicated to having a world class library system in Florence County,” he said. “The Friends of the Library are one of our greatest assets and truly deserve this recognition.”

Other Friends of Florence County Library accolades include:

• 2001 Friends of South Carolina Libraries Outstanding Program Award for “A Celebration of Pee Dee Authors.”
• 2003 Friends of South Carolina Libraries John H. Landrum Advocacy Award given to Doctors Bruce & Lee Foundation.
• 2004 Friends of South Carolina Libraries Outstanding Program Award for Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion-The Rhubarb Tour.”
• 2005 Friends of South Carolina Libraries Public Service Award given to state Sen. Hugh Leatherman.
• 2006 Friends of South Carolina Libraries Business Award given to Piggly Wiggly.
• 2008 South Carolina Library Association Friends of Library Award given to Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation.