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2007 OLC Awards

Friends of the Library Group Honored With State Award

By Patricia M. Albrecht

The Bargain Hunter, October 5, 2007

The Tuscarawas County Friends of the Library, an organization devoted to supporting the Tuscarawas County Public Library, provides money for programs and needs of the library that do not fit into the library budget. In addition, the Friends provide personnel to help with community programs and also lobby for state budget support.

Because the Friends have done so much for the Tuscarawas County Public Library, they have been recognized by the Ohio Library Council (OLC). On October 12, the OLC will present the Friends of the Library with the 2007 Ohio Friends of the Library Recognition Award at the Convention and Expo Awards and Honors Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus.

The Ohio Library Council is the statewide professional association that represents the interests of Ohio's public libraries. The Ohio Friends of the Library Recognition Award was first presented in 1987 and honors groups that perform imaginative and effective activities that increase community awareness of their library and its programs and services.

"We were so pleased and surprised to hear of the award," said Myrna Hugh, Friends president. "It's a wonderful honor."

The Friends have partnered with the Tuscarawas Symphony to host a series of unique musical programs, collaborated with local organizations and four libraries to present a historical play, provided books for two rest stops on I-77, hosted Antique Alley, helped to present a community New Year's Eve celebration, sponsored author events, donated books to the Multi-County Juvenile Attention Center, the homeless shelter, and Harbor House, supported the annual El Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros event honoring the Hispanic community and families in the area, and held major fundraising book sales.

"I'd really like to give Sue Stauffer, our library liaison for the Friends, the credit for receiving this award," said Hugh. "She put together a big notebook of the Friends activities and programs throughout the year. Sue recently retired after 19 years at the library. She did a great job working with the teens."

In addition to the things the Friends have done to merit an Ohio award, they have also made the following purchase: a cement bench and plaque in memory of a Friends supporter, cleaned and re-upholstered the furniture in the adult reading room, provided Bookpage, a monthly review of newly published books for the patrons, sponsored publication of the children's department quarterly newsletter, The Library Vine, sponsored teen and children's department summer reading programs, purchased signs to advertise children's programs, bicycle racks, new folding chairs, and a ceiling fan and clock for the bookmobile garage, donated library book bags for patron use at check-out, secured a handicapped door, stained glass for the entry, and contributed to the landscaping of the patio area of the library.

Seven members of the Friends of the Library will attend the awards luncheon in Columbus. For information on becoming a member of the Friends of the Library in New Philadelphia, contact the library at 330-364-4474.