Volunteer-of-the-Year Award

In 2007 the Board of FONCPL decided to institute an award to recognize the volunteer work of individual Friends. Since all Friends are volunteers one award did not seem adequate. It seemed good use of FONCPL resources to recognize five volunteers-one from each of the areas across the state. The nominations are judged by a committee of peer Friends.  Those chosen are recognized at FONCPL annual meeting and recognition luncheon with a certificate and a $150 check for his/her local Friends group.

Rationale
To recognize outstanding and dedicated service of Friends across our state.

Nomination and Selection Process:

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Any local Friends group that holds membership in FONCPL may nominate one of its members for a Volunteer of the Year Award (please submit only one name per group).
 

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Information on the nominee should be mailed to the Volunteer of the Year Chair.
 

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A committee of peer Friends will select the winner in each area.
 

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Each area Volunteer of the Year award winner will be recognized at the FONCPL Annual meeting.
 

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Each Area Volunteer of the Year will receive a certificate and FONCPL will donate $150 in his/her honor to the winner’s local Friends group.
 

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Submissions must include a nomination form and any available supporting documentation (pictures, news articles, printed programs, testimonials, etc.).
 

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FONCPL Board members are not eligible for nomination.

Click here for the nomination form

Examples of exemplary volunteer service include: leadership, creativity, behind the scenes work, dedicated service, financial support, etc.

VOLUNTEERS MAKE GOOD FRIENDS  - FRIENDS MAKE GOOD VOLUNTEERS

Friends groups across the State are made up of strong volunteers; that’s no news to those of us who are old-timers, having volunteered forever – or so it seems.

FONCPL has instituted awards that are given now at each annual meeting. Nominations come in from all over the state and are judged by a group of peer Friends. One person in each area of the State is chosen as Volunteer of the Year for that region. This year’s nominees were exceptional, and it was a pleasure to award each of their local Friends groups $100.

And the 2009 winners are:

North East Area – GLENN W. WOODLEY-Friends of the Washington County Library

Glenn secured the federal tax-exempt status for Friends and wrote the Friends Constitution and By-Laws.
He also was easily recognized by library patrons since he used the Library DAILY.

Central Area- JANE GOODRIDGE-Friends of the Durham Library

Jane served as President and Treasurer and book sale Chair. In their 3 book sales they earn $70,000 to support programs of the Library.  Even though they had a fire in their storage area, Jane helped them to gather enough more books to have their biggest sale ever!

West Central Area- Paula Finegan-Friends of the Hickory Public Library

Paula is a busy and active member of the Board of Friends in Hickory.  She single-handedly makes and sells many, many gift bags that are bought and distributed all over town.  She manages, sorts, and promotes the Fourth Saturday books sales that earn as much money for Friends as the big Annual book sales.

Mountain Area- -Rosalind Ledford-Friends of Mills River Branch Library, Henderson County       

Rosalind is the volunteer coordinator at the Mills River Branch.  This is an ‘all volunteer’ staff of about 30 who keep the Library open for 36 hours each week. Budget restraints have kept Henderson County from providing any paid staff! She has managed the summer reading program, visiting elementary schools to encourage students. She also led her Friends group in the preparation of a Requirement & Needs study for the town council helping the town to understand the need for increased funding and the need for additions to the facilities.

Thanks for your service