October 19–25, 2025 is National Friends of the Library Week. This week, we want to recognize the invaluable contributions of our Friends of the Library volunteers. These dedicated supporters work tirelessly to enhance our library’s programs, resources, and services through fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement. Whether it’s organizing their monthly book sales, hosting popular author events, or championing literacy initiatives, Friends of the Library make a lasting impact on our community’s access to knowledge and opportunity.
Last year, the Florence Friend's group made a huge impact by helping to facilitate 65,000 downloaded e-books and audiobooks, and providing the resources to host 241 Summer Reading Programs.
This year, they secured a financial and art donation from Willson Powell for the Dr. N. Lee Morris art gallery, brought in authors like Karen White, Mary Alice Monroe, and Patti Callahan Henry, and awarded the Mary Wiser Scholarship to a Wilson High School and West Florence Graduate.
The Mary Wiser scholarship is awarded each year to Florence School District 1 graduates who are first generation college students, and have shown a love for reading and an understanding of the positive impact reading has on one’s education and life.
The words "thank you" are not enough to express the gratitude we have for all the help and services that our Friend's groups provide to our library system, but THANK YOU. The community of Florence County is forever impacted by your positive efforts.
National Friends of the Library Week is also the perfect opportunity for you to get involved! Most of the libraries in FCLS have a Friends group for you to join. You'll attend exciting events while volunteering your time to support our mission of fostering a love for reading and learning. By becoming a member or spreading the word, you can help ensure libraries remains a vibrant hub for all!
Source: