Karen Schrader named NC Public Library Friend of the Year

The North Carolina Public Library Directors’ Association named Karen Schrader, a leader affiliated with the Friends of the Lexington Library, the 2025 Library Friend of the Year at their awards banquet held at the Historic Brookstown Inn in Winston-Salem on December 11th.

Schrader has served in several roles with the Friends of the Lexington Library over the last decade including board member, book sale chairperson, and board president. Her accomplishments include managing book sales, spearheading a story walk project, and overseeing the creation of a promotional video for the Lexington Public Library.

“Karen Schrader began volunteering with the Friends of the Lexington Library after a lengthy career in child abuse prevention. Because of that, she understands on a deep level the importance of building literacy in children and families. We, as a community, are fortunate to have someone with her passion and know-how putting her beliefs into action,” said Sheila Killebrew, director of the Davidson County Public Library system.

In her acceptance speech, Schrader stated, “I am especially grateful to the public library directors for recognizing the Friends volunteers who, alongside library staff, work tirelessly across North Carolina to strengthen local and county libraries and promote literacy. Strong public libraries are a part of the foundation of strong, educated communities.”

“Karen Schrader is well deserving of this recognition for her many years of unwavering support and service to Friends of the Lexington Library! Volunteers such as her, who work and give of their talents and skills unselfishly, make their community and the Boards they serve on better,” said Rosa Terry, who is currently serving as president of the Friends of the Lexington Library.

The Friends of the Lexington Library provides financial assistance and volunteerism to strengthen the quality and services of the Lexington Public Library, a branch of the Davidson County Public Library System.

The Davidson County Public Library System consists of a total of five branches across the county, in Lexington, Thomasville, North Davidson (Welcome), Denton, and West Davidson (Tyro). A bookmobile and the Davidson County Historical Museum are also part of the library.

For more information, visit the library website at https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/274/Library.