FOLSOI’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Membership Appreciation Event was a lively
afternoon, as we celebrated our 35th birthday! A crowd of 200 book lovers assembled to
listen as FOLSOI President Cindy Phillips summarized another year of record-setting
sales at our Once More Bookstore, continued growth in our membership base, and new
program development. In all, FOLSOI gave over $70,000 to Harper and Barbee libraries in 2024! Following the business portion of the program, attendees were treated to “A Novel Afternoon with Diane Chamberlain.” Listening to the NYT best-selling author speak was just as engrossing as reading one of her books. Ms. Chamberlain was charming, funny, and interesting as she thoughtfully answered questions from the moderator and the audience. The novelist’s ability to connect with
her readers was on display as she interacted with the crowd. Afterward, Chamberlain
graciously signed books for a very long line of eager readers as guests enjoyed
refreshments in the lobby.
FOLSOI would like to give a shout out to Pomegranate Books of Wilmington for
facilitating book sales. And a big thanks to our event sponsors: Captain Newton’s Inn
(directly across from Harper Library); Atlantic States Weather, Inc.; Wild by Nature
Florist; and Lowes Foods of Southport.
Thank you to all our wonderful FOLSOI volunteers and members who make this
organization once to be proud of!
Thank you FOLSIO for providing such a great author for us to enjoy! Diane was very spontaneous in her comments to questions about her books and her writing style. It was a beautiful day and the Southport Community Building is the perfect backdrop for this event. We, in this area, are very fortunate to have FOLSIO who brings such fabulous programs to the community. Congratulations to your board for all the hard work they do throughout the year. The refreshments were delicious and the flowers from Wild By Nature as beautiful as always.
Many thanks !
We are so glad you enjoyed the event! Our FOLSOI board owes a lot to those of you who served before us and were instrumental to the development of our organization!
Although I missed this wonderful program due to travel, I am amazed and impressed by the outstanding support FOLSOI provided the Harper and Barbee Libraries. Congratulations on the the outstanding results reported in the annual report! Many thanks for all you do for our community!