[Scla-list] Governor Declares October 18-24, 2009, Friends of the Library Week

[Curtis Rogers]

Governor Declares October 18-24, 2009, Friends of the Library Week


Columbia, SC - How important are South Carolina's Libraries? How
important are the Friends Groups made up of local volunteers that
support them?  According to the recent proclamation issued by Governor
Sanford of South Carolina, they are very important.  Friends of South
Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) is a statewide organization made up of
volunteers with a great interest in keeping South Carolina's libraries
energized.  FOSCL was founded in the late 1980's with the following
objectives:


*         To help foster and support local friends of the library
groups, and to provide a means for these groups to work together for the
betterment of library service in South Carolina.


*         To promote wider knowledge and use of libraries as cultural
and information centers for individuals and groups.


*         To support improved library education in South Carolina.


*         To support the Library Bill of Rights.


          According to FOSCL President, Mike Burkhart of Aiken, "ALTAFF,
which represents Friends and Trustees of public libraries nationwide,
reminds statewide organizations about the importance of promoting
libraries.  We decided to try to get the support of Governor Sanford so
that we could let everyone know just how important South Carolina's
libraries and Friends Groups are to the state's intellectual landscape."
Burkhart continued to say that "the Governor's office was very
cooperative and responsive and they did an excellent job. We're glad
that Governor Sanford recognizes the importance of libraries in this
state and the Friends Groups that support them."


          Libraries and the Friends Groups that support them are
extremely important to local communities during times of economic
downturns.  Many South Carolina public libraries are reporting increases
in usage, program attendance, and check outs of music CD's, videos and
DVDs, and books.  According to the American Library Association, usage
nationwide was 10 percent higher in the past year than during the 2001
economic downturn, when it tracked a similar spike in visits and
circulation. Libraries recorded 1.3 billion visits and patrons checked
out more than 2 billion items from April 2007 to April 2008.  "In these
tough times," according to Burkhart, "it's more important than ever for
libraries to receive all the support they can get."

 

Governor's Proclamation

 

WHEREAS,     libraries are an essential part of the fabric of
communities throughout the state and they link us to one another and to
the ideas and events of yesterday, helping us prepare for tomorrow, and
serving as a sanctuary in which we are free to read, write, and dream
about events and ideas of the past present and future; and

 

WHEREAS,     libraries have become powerful equalizing forces in society
where every visitor is welcome and knowledge is free to all regardless
of personal wealth or position; and

 

WHEREAS,     Friends of the Library groups energize libraries by
enhancing their services and capabilities in communities across the
Palmetto State; and 

 

WHEREAS,     Friends of the Library volunteers give their time and
talents to sponsor recreational and educational programs for children
and adults and organize book sales and other events to raise funds to
meet special library needs.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark Sanford Governor of the Great State of South
Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 18-24, 2009, as

 

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY WEEK

 

Throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to support
their local libraries and to recognize the Friends of South Carolina
Libraries and all local Friends groups for their dedication to the
Palmetto State.

 

          For more information about the Friends of South Carolina
Libraries, contact Mike Burkhart at Burelly at aol.com. 

 


 


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