The following is a press release of the annual meeting of the Friends of Tiverton Libraries on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from President Kathy Ryan:

The President’s Awards were renamed "Golden Sneaker Awards" in honor of all who went the extra mile to ensure that accurate information be provided to the public in the lead-up to the successful special referendum for a new library building.

They were given to several Friends for outstanding volunteer efforts in support of the library:

• Teen Librarian Dorrie Baernthaler who has served as library liaison and co-editor of the library newsletter "Friend to Friend." Dorrie founded and  mentored the Essex Teen Council, frequently at her own time and expense.
• Tiverton High School Seniors: Nader Hajjar and Dave Perry for four years of community service at Children’s Library Summer Reading Program by their enthusiastic assistance at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Because of illness, Community Service Coordinator Sheila Kauffman accepted the awards.
• Community partner Paul’s Press: having a message is important, but the level of service and dedication of a good printer is essential. Paul Voboril and his wife, Linda have for years met tight deadlines and provided assistance with wry humor and ahead of schedule. Because of a schedule conflict, Town Councilor Brett Pelletier accepted the award in their stead.
• Friend, Ginny Eagan, a professional events manager, active in the community, for her assistance with six major events in 2010. The events helped the Friends reach new segments of the community, add members, and provide critical funding support. Ginny also serves on the board of the Rhode Island Coalition of Library Advocates.

Highlights of the last year:

• Library support of $20,289 including summer reading program support, museum passes, and outreach costs to better inform the community of the extent and value of its library services.
• Strategic planning and implementation of a Rhode Island Foundation grant for organizational development for $4,000.
• A Reeves Award for fundraising from the Rhode Island Coalition of Library Advocates for tracking and fundraising over $13,000 in library flood relief grants, events and donations. 
• A citation for the same from the State House of Representatives.
• New Friends electronic formatting and communications

Election of Officers:

• President, Kathy Ryan
• Secretary, Kathy Gallagher
• Historian/Archivist, Cary Bailey
• New Vice-President Mardy Heenehan brings extensive public and private sector in administration, marketing and technology.
• New Treasurer Geri Holewiak brings extensive experience from Town Treasurer’s Office as well as Treasurer of the Friends of St. Anne’s Hospital.
• Two new member-at-large positions were created and filled by board members Paula Tartaglino and Karen Rajkumar Cooper.

Following the business part of the meeting, Trustee and Building Committee Chairman Lee Hoyer provided an update on the new library.

Next, the feature presentation was a Powerpoint presentation by Adult Services and Reference Librarian Prudence Fallon on her recent People to People Ambassador Program in China. The program was begun during the Eisenhower administration and provided participants with a view inside the culture of the People’s Republic: its technologies, its people and its libraries.