South County Friends Snag Three State Awards

May 3, 2007

Estero—Annual awards from the Florida Library Association went to the Friends of South County Regional Library, Inc. in three categories: First place in the state for best newsletter and honorable mentions for best website and best special events for the Tenth Anniversary Birthday Party of August 2006.

The first place Friends-to-Friends newsletter award is a curved etched glass plaque on display in the Friends display case at the library. Newsletter editor David Hauenstein observed, “Being recognized with these awards demonstrates the strength of coming together as Friends of South County Regional Library. Many contribute to the making of the aptly-named Friends-to-Friends newsletter. It’s an example of what friends can do when they share the work. When friends congratulate me, I congratulate them right back.”

Honorable mention for special projects, website, went to the two-year-old website, found at www.friendsofscrl.org. Internet users can find news, program schedules, and “find-your-face” photos of past events. Website visitors can even buy tickets, make donations and pay dues online in a secure environment. In commenting on the award, web host Kimberly Dailey of Papyrus Document and Design said, “Non-profit groups in particular benefit greatly from a web presence to serve as a 24/7 storefront for their members. We’ve seen use of the friends website increase exponentially.”

The Friends received a second honorable mention outstanding program award for its tenth anniversary birthday celebration conceived of and produced by vice president Cas Obie. Last August, the South County Regional Library celebrated its tenth anniversary with a party that included greetings and well-wishes from Lee County Commissioners, dignitaries of the Lee County Library System and leaders of surrounding communities. Library friends and patrons feasted on birthday cupcakes to the accompaniment of live music. The highlight of the day featured a reading of a Lee County proclamation declaring August 23, 2006 as South County Regional Library Day. The proclamation is displayed at the library's checkout desk.

The mission of the Friends of the Library is to raise awareness of South County Regional Library as a cultural and educational asset in the community by enhancing programming and services through development of supplemental financial resources.

Membership applications and dues structure are available at the library’s reference desk. The library is located at 21100 Three Oaks Parkway, just north of Corkscrew Road in Estero. Friends of South County Regional Library, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt organization and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.