The Friends of the York County Library recently announced that Connie Newland is the 2012 recipient of the Joann W. McMaster Volunteer of the Year award at a reception to honor Friends of the Library volunteers. The award is named in honor of Joann McMaster, who helped found the Friends of the York County Library organization in 1975 and served as its first president.
Connie moved to Rock Hill four years ago from Fairfax Station, VA, where she was an elementary school teacher for fourteen years. Upon retiring, she and her husband, Gerry, moved to the area to be closer to 2 of their 3 children, who live in Tega Cay. With 6 grandsons, all 5 years-old and younger, Connie stays busy with babysitting and volunteering with the Friends of the Library.
Shortly after moving to Rock Hill, Connie was called to jury duty at the municipal court. During a break, she looked across the street and saw the library next door. She decided to see what volunteer opportunities were available and began volunteering 3 years ago. She has served on the Friends' board as treasurer, helps with book sales and other events and spends time sorting books for the sales and evaluating donated books for online sales. She logged over 350 volunteer hours in 2012.
In addition, the Friends also recognized nearly 100 volunteers, who donated 2,750 hours on behalf of York County Libraries. The Friends of the Library hold quarterly used book sales to raise funds for library programs. They are the major sponsor of the summer reading programs for all ages and other library needs not provided for in the library budget. For more information on the Friends of the Library, visit www.yclibrary.org or call 803-981-5837.
Photo: (L to R) Joann McMaster, Connie Newland
