October 12, 2010

2010 Friends of the Library Week Proclamation

How important are South Carolina’s Libraries? How important are the Friends Groups made up of local volunteers who support them? According to the proclamation issued by Governor Sanford declaring October 17-23, 2010, Friends of the Library Week, 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.

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 17-23, 2010, 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.

Find out more about your library’s Friends group and support your library today! For more information about the Friends of South Carolina Libraries, visit www.foscl.org.

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