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.
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, “FOLUSA, which is the Friends of Libraries USA, had informed 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 19-25, 2008, 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, please visit www.foscl.org.
