Special to IFN

The N.C. Public Library Director’s Association recently awarded its annual Library Friend of the Year Award to Iredell Friends of the Library President Hank Byrd.

Byrd was instrumental in supporting the library’s attempts to implement a mobile library in order to reach areas of Iredell County that are underserved. He explained the need to Rep. Jeff McNeely, and together they secured $100,000 to help fund a mobile library.

In addition to securing funding for a mobile library, Byrd has been instrumental in soliciting donations and finding grant opportunities to enhance and improve library programs and services.

Like all members of Iredell Friends of the Library, Byrd feels very strongly about getting books into the hands of as many people as possible, especially children. He has taken it upon himself to hand deliver boxes of donated books to local charities such as Speak Life and Live and the Boys & Girls Club of the Piedmont.

Byrd organized his Rotary Club members to help install posts and frames for the Storywalk collaboration between the Iredell County Public Library and the City of Statesville. The library currently has two Storywalks that were funded either fully or partially by the Iredell Friends of the Library.

The Iredell County Public Library is fortunate to have such a devoted supporter in its corner. The library staff and Friends members are beyond thrilled that the North Carolina Public Library Association chose to acknowledge his efforts and contributions to the people of Iredell County.