The Friends of the Medford Library was established to promote the interest and welfare of the Library. Since the Friends' inception in 1995, it has raised money in support of Medford Library and organized and sponsored campus and community programs. See Our Photo Album!

Book Signings, Readings, and Receptions for Authors are frequently sponsored by the organization. Such noted authorities as Robert Remini, Andrew Jackson scholar; Matthew Bruccoli, F. Scott Fitzgerald scholar; and Walter Edgar, Southern Studies scholar, have been guests of the group. Nationally known authors such as Bob Inman (Dairy Queen Days), Dori Sanders (Clover), Mary Doria Russell (The Sparrow and Children of God), and Josephine Humphreys (Rich in Love), have appeared at USCL.

Local authors Terry Ward Tucker (Elegant Sinners), John Griffin (Thomas Wolfe: A Pictorial Biography), and Cathy Smith Bowers (The Love That Ended Yesterday in Texas) have been honored. The Friends have sponsored readings by Dr. Walter Edgar from his recently published South Carolina: A History, by award-winning science fiction author Mary Doria Russell from her latest novel, Children of God, by regional author, Mary Kratt from her novel My Dear Miss Eva, and by nationally acclaimed poet, Alison Hawthorne Deming from her book, Science and Other Poems. In October 2006, guest author Sandy Richardson led a workshop on "Creative Non-Fiction Reading and Writing".

One event co-sponsored by the Friends was the celebration of Beaufort's Defeat.

Annual Awards
Each year, the Friends select and honor individuals who have provided exceptional support to the Medford Library. Past awards have gone to Mrs. Amelia Medford, Congressman John Spratt, USCL Dean Joseph Pappin, businessman Donnie Snipes, Dr. Richard Gannaway, Former SC State Representative Billy Boan, SC First Lady Rachel Hodges, FOML Funding President Mr. D. Lindsay Pettus, politician Mrs. Polly Jackson, Dr. Thomas J. Blumer, and Michael Thomason. In March, 2006, the Friends honored Mrs. Carolyn P. Tolson for her support of the Medford Library.

THE ELLIOTT WHITE SPRINGS PRIZE FOR FICTION CONTEST is named for Col. Springs in recognition of his contributions to American fiction. It is designed to encourage creative writing among USCL students. The fiction-writing contest is open to any full-time USCL student. There is a cash award for the winner, and winning works are bound for addition to the Medford Library collection. Winners since the award's inception in 1999 have been:

1999: Miki Katayama, "Where the Heart Belong"
1999-2000: Beth Blackmon, "Daddy's Hands"
2000-2001: Kristen Rogers, "Scared No More"
2001-2002: Jamie Truesdale, "Fried Chicken 'N Mashed Pototoes"
2002-2003: Traci Carnes, "Running Blindly"
2003-2004: Adrianne Horton, "Dead Man's Bridge"
2004-2005: Oksana Slobozhan, "Feeling, Feet, and Otherwise"
2005-2006: Michael Clark, "The Stranger's Dream"
2006-2007: Hammond Knight, "Cathedral"
2007-2008: Nancy Reeves, "CousinJohnny"

THE MEDFORD POETRY AWARD was established in 2002-2003 to promote an interest in poetry. The winners of the second annual poetry contest in 2005 were Brenda C. Hyatt with "My Child" and Oksana Slobozhan with "Tumbler." Past winners include:

2002-2003: Cameron Olson.
2003-2004: Traci Carnes, "RiverPlay"
2004-2005: Brenda C. Hyatt, "My Child"; Oksana Slobozhan, "Tumbler"
2005-2006: Brandy Williams, "New America: A Zeugma for the Convention"

Friends Officers
The 2006-2007 Officers and Board Members are Bill Medford, Jr., Pete Arnold, Kip
Carter, David Tolson III (President), Mandy Powers-Norrell, Mitch Norrell, Polly
Jackson (Past President), Sandra Nelson, Lindsay Pettus (Past President), Patricia Rucker, Fred Steele, Thomas Blumer, Carolyn Tolson (Past President), Walt Collins (Contest Coordinator), Shari Eliades (Head Librarian), and John Catalano (Dean of the University).

New Friends are Welcome
The Friends of Medford Library year runs from July 1 to June 30. Dues for 2006-2007 are now due. Please complete the membership form and mail it to The Friends of the Medford Library, USC Lancaster, P.O. Box 889, Lancaster, SC 29721. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you!

Welcome to the Library
The facilities at Medford Library are open to anyone 18 years or older. The hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Sunday, 2:00 to 6:00 pm