Torre Kaufman receives NEFLIN “Library Champion Award”

Press Release
Mary Pitcher
Friends of the Library
Communications Chair
October 17, 2016 10:00 a.m.

Dee Torre Kaufman, President of Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library, was recently awarded the Northeast Florida Library Information Network’s (NEFLIN) prestigious “Library Champion Award”. The annual award is bestowed upon one individual in Northeast Florida who has demonstrated exceptional support for a NEFLIN library. NEFLIN, through grant funding and membership dues, provides resources to its member libraries to help them serve and empower their diverse users and create a sense of community.

Torre Kaufman joined “Friends of the Fernandina Beach Library” (FOL) in 2009 as a volunteer. She was later elected Vice President and took on the additional role of Capital Campaign Chair in 2013 to raise the $1.2 million dollars needed for the new/expanded library project. Torre Kaufman created a public awareness campaign and raised funds for the project through writing grants, coordinating fund raising events, and seeking private donors. She developed and helped manage some unique events such as “Pony Up & Party”, the “Food For Thought” gala, and the annual “Storytelling Slam”. Friends of the Library also worked with other community partners such as the Amelia Island Cookie Tour and the Amelia Island Sunrise Rotary. Torre Kaufman currently serves as President of Friends of the Library and volunteers approximately 1,000 hours each year. When asked why she volunteers in this capacity, Dee said “I believe in giving back to the community. I had a great career and remain passionate about education, literacy and building the capacity of the next generation”.