On the recordDecember 10, 2015
It is always a joy for me to kick off the holiday season in Sparta, North Carolina, at the annual Christmas parade down Main Street. As I visited with folks at this year's parade, I was reminded again how special Alleghany County and its people are. The pride that they take in their community is apparent in everything they do. It is especially evident in the hardworking volunteers who donate so much time because they love their hometown and fellow citizens. A great example of this generosity is seen at Books 'n Friends, a nonprofit used bookstore owned by the friends of the Alleghany County Library. Since 2003, volunteers like Alice Keighton, Joyce Speas, and many others have donated their time at the bookstore, whose profits provide funding for activities and necessities at the library. This support makes quite a difference and helps the library inform and educate the citizens of Alleghany County. My deepest appreciation to all of the friends of the library and all the wonderful volunteers in Alleghany County, who do so much to make it such a special place to live, work, and visit. ____________________
