• By Don Dwiggins
• Posted Friday, November 19, 2010

The Best “Friend” a Library Could have

The Friends of North Carolina Public Libraries (FONCPL) has recognized Paul Ragsdale as one of five statewide Volunteers of the Year nominated by their local Friends of the Library groups as outstanding in their area. (See photo on home page of Mr. Ragsdale receiving his award from FONCPL.) FONCPL divides the state into five geographical areas and one winner is chosen from each section of North Carolina.

FONCPL and local friends groups is volunteer based and survive through the efforts of these outstanding volunteers. Paul Ragsdale has contributed to the success of both the Friends of Reynolda Manor Library and the Friends of Central Library by helping to organize and maintain the used book sales, which are an important part of money-making activities of each group. Income is used by the Friends groups to purchase items not covered by county funds, such as computers, books and media. In addition these funds support the summer reading program and book clubs.

Awards were presented at the FONCPL Annual Awards Meeting held at the High Point Public Library, November 6. Each winner was given a cash award for his/her local friends group as well as a framed certificate of recognition.