SC Librarian Honored with National Award

SC Humanities would like to congratulate Dwight McInvaill, Director of the Georgetown County Library, for being the first South Carolinian to receive the prestigious "I Love My Librarian Award" from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and by the New York Times. The "I Love My Librarian Award" is presented annually to only 10 librarians in the nation.

Dwight McInvaill was honored for the impact that he has had on the lives of the people in Georgetown County. He has implemented many exciting and innovative programs, including the Georgetown County Digital Library, collections of books in 40 county childcare centers, and an interactive gaming program aimed at improving teen illiteracy.

Learning of the honor, McInvaill said, "I do not consider myself to be particularly loveable. But I am dedicated to making life better for our citizens. We are living in a period of great technological and social change. Libraries need to continually innovate and to experiment to stay relevant and serve their communities. That is what we have tried to do in Georgetown County Library. To have been nominated by local folks for this award is a true honor, and I can promise local residents that we will not rest on our laurels, but roll up our shirtsleeves and keep working for them."

McInvaill has been Director of Georgetown County Public Library since 1996, and the library has received a number of awards and recognitions under his leadership, including the National Medal for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in 2007, the Counties Care for Kids Award from the National Association of Counties, and a notation by then First Lady Laura Bush for wonderful community service.

More information about the I Love My Librarian Award is available at the www.ilovelibraries.org/ilovemylibrarian.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.

Photo Credit: Scene from "I Love My Librarian Awards 2009" – Copyright 2009 Paul M. Gaykowski for The New York Times – All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction and distribution strictly prohibited.