Monday, Aug. 25, 2008

Library honors volunteers

Here are some accomplishments worth “checking out.”

The Richland County Public Library recently honored several of its outstanding young volunteers for their service and contributions to the library. The group members were recognized during a ceremony at the main branch.

Eight high school students were named Spotlight Volunteers for their service at the individual library branches. They include Rannah Derrick, main branch; Brandi Wilson, Eastover branch; Janae Stephenson, North Main branch; Quenton Stokes-Brown, Northeast regional branch; Spencer Perry, Sandhills branch; Kathryn Cox, St. Andrews regional branch; Jenna Kessler, Southeast regional branch; and Ginger Seymour, Wheatley branch.

Ten fifth- through eighth-grade students also were named Spotlight Volunteers. They include Martin Li, main branch; Hannah Spell, Ballentine branch; Joshua Stombler, Blythewood branch; Kaeli Medlin, Cooper branch; Jonohn Gandsy, North Main branch; Valerie Hinsch, Northeast regional branch; Devon Howland, Sandhills branch; Jared Whiting, St. Andrews regional branch; Ja’Tori Myers, Southeast regional branch; and Joanne Wu, Wheatley branch.

The Spotlight Volunteers were selected from more than 200 fifth-grade through high school volunteers.

Five others were presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national award that honors volunteers who contribute between 50 and 100 hours of service during a 12-month time period.

Those five included Emily Hoffman, 75 hours; Andrew Houde, 50 hours; William Houde, 50 hours; Morgan Osborne, 50 hours; and Gregory Peterson, 50 hours.

RCPL relies on adult, teen and junior volunteers to maximize its resources and better meet the needs of library users. Last year, nearly 800 volunteers contributed more than 15,000 hours, a value of nearly $250,000 to the library.

“The work of volunteers makes a huge difference to the library system,” said Cathy Dolan, RCPL’s volunteer coordinator. “The library has obviously had an impact on these children, and now we are able to teach them about giving back to the community.”

To volunteer or for more information, call (803) 929-3436 or visit www.myRCPL.com.