Joann W. McMaster Volunteer of the Year Award winner Malissa Church, Friends of the York County Library President Diane Ingersoll, author Stephen Turner
Friends of the York County Library Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 22, 2026
The Friends of the York County Library Annual Meeting was held at the Oratory’s Pope John Center in Rock Hill.
Special guest Stephen Turner discussed the hidden history and stories of the African Americans who were enslaved at the White Home, the iconic downtown Rock Hill landmark. His book, A Different History: African Americans at the White Homestead, Rock Hill, SC, 1838-1870, is available for purchase at Friends Books on Main.
Annual volunteer awards were presented. Faithful Friend Award for Dedicated Service for 2025 was presented to LaRayne Hall. The Faithful Friend Award, established in 2022, recognizes Friends who have provided years of volunteer service with remarkable dedication. The Friend who receives it can be counted on to handle faithfully some of the essential tasks that keep our organization going strong.
Joann W. McMaster Volunteer of the Year Award for 2025 was presented to Malissa Church. The award was established in 2005 in honor of Joann W. McMaster for her efforts in founding the Friends of York County Library and serving as its first president in 1975. The award is designed to honor individuals who have contributed to the Friends and/or the York County Library at an extraordinary level of service.
Our new board members for 2026 are Francine Barrows, Meredith Fairey, Anita Lehew, starting their first term that will be for three years. Connie Newland is starting her second term. All of their terms will expire at the end of January 2029.
The Executive Board is appointed by the Friends of the Library Board.
Our officers for 2026 are:
Diane Ingersoll, President
Christine Tucker, Vice President
Chad Lynch, Treasurer
Mary Pellechio, Secretary
Our 2026 Board:
Francine Barrows
Malissa P. Church
Meredith Fairey
Martha Ferguson
Anita Lehew
Nick Newell
Connie Newland
Joy Price
Friends of the York County Library Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 26, 2025
The Friends of the York County Library Annual Meeting was held at the Main Library at 138 East Black Street, Rock Hill, SC on Sunday.
This was the 50th anniversary of our organization! Our guest speaker was Susan Millar Williams, author of A Devil and a Good Woman, Too, the biography of South Carolina author Julia Peterkin. Peterkin was awarded the 1929 Pulitzer Prize for her controversial book, Scarlet Sister Mary. See this flyer for more information.
The Faithful Friend Award was given to volunteer Judy Gritzmacher.
The Joann W. McMaster Volunteer of the year award was given to Susan Lyle.
Newsletters
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