Frances B. Reid Awards

Frances B. Reid was the guiding force in organizing and establishing the Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries (FONCPL) organization in 1980.  As a consultant in Library Development at the NC State Library, she encouraged volunteers, helped draft organization by-laws and was always there when questions needed answers.  She exhibited wit and wisdom that was needed to bring FONCPL into fruition.  We recognize our debt of gratitude to her by the establishment of the annual Frances B. Reid awards, given to outstanding Friends groups in our state. 

GET AN EARLY START!

	Friends groups may be nominated for recognition by any interested person or group
	The Friends group nominated must be a member in good standing of FONCPL
	Recognized accomplishments of the group must be made (or started/finished) during the current calendar year.
	Nominations must be accompanied by a completed entry form and, if desired, appropriate complimentary materials such as newspaper articles, letters of commendation, pictures, etc., placed in a notebook or folder
	Applications will be judged by a panel of peer Friends and the awards, including a $200 check to first place winners and a framed recognition certificate, will be presented at the FONCPL Annual Meeting/Recognition Luncheon in the fall

Share your successes with Friends across the state!  Entries are due by August 31, 2013.  Start now to collate your presentation materials.  Then you will be ready to apply and, of course, collect your award! 

Click here for entry form

2014 Frances B. Reid Awards

Alexander Friends of the Library, Taylorsville

The focus chosen this year is a program the Friends developed that allows for the collaboration of three community groups, Alexander Friends, Alexander County Library, and the Alexander County Partnership for Children, to provide a pre-school early literacy program for pre-school aged children of Alexander County. The need was evident: 14% of the adults in the county lack basic literacy skills and there is at least a 20.5% poverty level for children. Friends purchase new, age-appropriate books and Friends volunteers read to children in the chosen day cares each month and leaves the book for the class. Statistics are proving "The Read to Me" program is working. These are dedicated Friends!

Ashe County Public Library, West Jefferson

Ashe County Friends documented a total of 6,175 hours of volunteer hours of service this year. some of those activities include providing 100 copies of the Community Read book WOOL by Hugh Howey and promoting programs in connection to the CR. During the summer reading program which Friends provide funds for they host a poetry contest for fifth graders. Friends visit local day care centers to read to children and promote the library's early literacy program Growing Book by Book: A Thousand Books Before Kindergarten. Participated in World Book Night where 380 books were distributed. Friends maintain a Gift Shop in the library with daily shifts to keep it stocked. Last year Friends cleared over $17500 in sales.

Hoke County, Raeford

Hoke County wants a Bookmobile! and they are working toward that goal. The Friends held a special fundraiser "Boogie in the Books" where they pushed the furniture to the walls, bring in a DJ and enjoy dancing in the Library! Friends helped spruce up the entrance to the library with pressure washing and painted flower pots. To reach isolated areas they are building two Little Free Libraries and the Boy Scouts are helping. Their logo states "Building Communities-Changing Lives" and these volunteers are working to make that a reality.

Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library, Edenton

Friends funds are essential to the Library's collection development budget as the budget here is very limited. The Friends hold many events that not only serve as fund raisers but also as library programming, maintenance and advertising. Friends have also created and maintain an archival collection providing a way to research their family histories. (Chowan Co. was founded in 1668!) Friends held "Armchair Traveler Series to Turkey-8 events over 8 weeks including a Turkish Meal and Turkish adult beverage tasting. Their membership increased their membership form 166 to 222. Provided two new computers. Launch Crafty Tuesdays. Friends constructed birdhouses made from books - 50 were constructed and decorated by Friends. Fruit and Nut Sale.

Southside Branch Library, Winston-Salem

This Friends group increased their membership by one third. They updated/re activated their web site. This is a small library set in trees back from the street so they increased their signage and especially about Friends around the library. They designated $200 a month for the Library's use in the kids area. Started a bi-yearly letter to members and send invitations to monthly meetings. They created a logo and new brochure and created an events bookmark highlighting upcoming events and services as a takeaway for patrons.

CONGRATULATIONS!

QUESTIONS?  CONTACT:   foncpl@gmail.com