The Richland County Public Library recognized the efforts of its many volunteers at a special event at the Main Library on Thursday, March 18. Special presentations included Adult, Teen and Junior Volunteer of the Year awards, inductions into the RCPL Volunteer Hall of Fame and recognition of The President's Volunteer Service Award recipients.
Bill and Joyce Supplee, RCPL's Adult Volunteers of the Year, have volunteered at RCPL since 2002 and contributed more than 230 hours together. The Supplees serve as Let's Speak English volunteers at RCPL's St. Andrews Regional Branch, and their commitment to RCPL is showcased through their constant friendly demeanors and eagerness to help library customers and other volunteers.
Olivia Keck, RCPL's Teen Volunteer of the Year, has contributed 88 hours. For more than two years, Keck has spent Saturday mornings at RCPL's Southeast Regional Branch shelving materials, helping with special programs and organizing the teen area. Despite her busy schedule, she is always willing to help beyond her normal volunteer hours.
Gregory Pittman, a volunteer in the Children's Room at the Main Library, was named Junior Volunteer of the Year. Since October 2008, Pittman has contributed more than 40 hours helping staff sort books, cut nametags and keep the Children's Room organized. He always has a positive attitude and pays great attention to detail.
This year, John Boie, Allan Wendt, Joyce Hallenbeck and Fred Williams were inducted into RCPL Volunteer Hall of Fame, which recognizes current and former volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the library and the Friends of RCPL. Many of the inductees have 15 years or more than 1,500 hours of service to RCPL.
Another 19 volunteers were recognized with The President's Volunteer Service Award this year, an initiative of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, for their work with RCPL. Recipients of this prestigious award include: Tina Auman, John Bradley, Janice Brown, Michelle Clark, Vera Coward, Joan Edwards, Tracy Haisley, Stacey Haynes, Donna Humphries, Megan Mathis, Lois McCord, Frances Osburn, Madelyn Pesci, Nina Shelley, Rachel Snowden, Paulette Willard, Fred Williams, Mary Williams and Edith Woolbright.
The Richland County Public Library relies on adult and junior volunteers to maximize its resources and better serve the needs of library users. Last year, more than 800 adults, teens, and children contributed more than 16,000 hours, a value of well over $250,000.
To volunteer or for more information, call 803-929-3436 or visit http://www.myrcpl.com/volunteer/home.
