Friends President, Jeanne Larcombe, shown here with the Friends book bag, celebrating 30 years of support to the Portsmouth Public Library. Jeanne paid tribute to the many volunteers who have given generously of their time, in many different ways, over the years.

Edie Carmichael, Wilson Room Coordinator, presented each of the Wilson Room volunteers in attendance with an FOPPL book bag. Pictured (L to R) Rich Dorson, Elsie Ackerman Jimmie Jones, Bettie Jones, Ed Rakowski, Edie Carmichael, Mary Sue O'Brien, and Evelyn Cataldi.  There were a total of 16 volunteers contributing their services during the past year.

Mike Cross, Book Sale Chair, made a similar presentation to each of the Book Sale volunteers in attendance. Pictured (L to R) Mary Sue O'Brien, Evelyn Cataldi, Hester Kimpel, Chris Cross,  Sue Fritz, Dee McCadney, Margaret Gupta, Mike Cross, Robin Atkins and Harriett Hampton. We had a total of 28 volunteers throughout the year

Library Director Sue Burton was pleased to present the award for "Outstanding Friend of the Library" to our own Ed Rakowski. This annual award is given by the Virginia Public Library Director's Association.  Ed volunteers two days a week to the library's Wilson Room. He also serves on the Friends' board, with responsibilities for membership related activities such as billing and recording. His wife, Rose Mary, ably assists in the distribution of the correspondence and our quarterly newsletter Friends' News.