The Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries hosted the Fourth Annual Light of Literacy Awards on Thursday, April 7th at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. The morning’s program included a Boy Scout Flag Ceremony presented by Scouts from Troop 176, an inspiring musical performance from members of James M. Bennett High School Rock ‘n Roll Revival, and a delicious breakfast provided by the Civic Center.
Over 300 individuals from the community came together to celebrate the work of individuals, businesses and 
non-profits. The stories of how these works make a community impact and improve lives demonstrate that literacy is key to a successful life.
In lieu of a guest speaker, the Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries worked with a local videographer, Daniel Bowen, to create a video that would tell the Library’s story. Through interviews with local leaders and narratives by Library members, the video showed a few of the many ways Wicomico Public Libraries impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
By providing opportunities for individuals to improve their literacy skills the Library opens doors of opportunity. These opportunities are often under-utilized, because people simply do not know what a modern Library does, and what impact it can have on the community. Wicomico Public Libraries are as necessary and vital to the health of our community today as they were when the Library began in 1926. We want to thank Daniel Bowen for his work in helping us tell this important story.
Congratulations to our 2016 Light of Literacy Award Winners:
Business Luminary Award: Salt Water Media
Youth Luminary: Samantha Wiersberg
Educator Luminary Award: Tara Elliott
Adult Luminary Award: Beverly Horner
Adult Luminary Award: Kara Dahl Russell
Non-Profit Luminary Award: Salisbury Sunrise Rotary Club
Higher Education Luminary Award: Salisbury University – Eastern Correctional Institution Book
Discussion Group
In addition to the Luminary Awards, the Board of Trustees presented Jane Reagan with the first Liz Bellavance Legacy Award. This award is given to an individual whose work aligns with Liz Bellavance’s desire to improve the lives of individuals around her through education and literacy.
The Friends of Wicomico Public Libraries would like to thank WMDT Channel 47 and The Daily Times for providing their expertise in promoting this event. The Friends want to also thank Phil Tilghman, our Emcee, as well as the Award Narrators, Scott Duncan and Lenita Wesson, for sharing their time and talents with our attendees. A special “Thank you!” to all our sponsors for making our Awards Ceremony a reality, and to all the volunteers who made the day so very special. Lastly, thank you to our community for coming to the event and for supporting the Library’s mission and vision.
Wicomico Public Libraries are located in Downtown Salisbury, the Centre at Salisbury, Pittsville, and the Library Bookmobile. Not only do Wicomico Public Libraries offer numerous free resources such as Internet access, a variety of classes and events, public meeting rooms and an online virtual library with eBooks, and streaming movies, music and audiobooks, but it engages with the community by supporting learning, building community, and enriching lives. You Belong @ Wicomico Public Libraries!
For more information on how to get involved with the 2017 Friends’ Light of Literacy event or if you wish to become a Friend of the Library, please visit our web site, wicomicolibrary.org.
