DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Public Library honored its 2007 Volunteers of the Year at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Daphne Library on Jan. 17. The honorees were chosen on the basis of time and effort spent in serving the library during the year.

Valley O’Neal of the Bay Rivers Art Guild was honored for organizing and overseeing the painting of murals in the Easy Reader room of the library in April 2006, as well as the organization of BRAG artists to paint large canvases now adorning the Junior Reading area of the library. BRAG artists volunteered long hours, paints and talent to provide artwork depicting multicultural scenes from children’s books housed within the library. O’Neal’s role in these projects was instrumental, according to a library spokesperson.

Joleen Hallemann was honored for her service as the 2007 treasurer of the Friends of the Library, for her efforts in coordinating and keeping track of library requests and programming expenses. Hallemann extended a helping hand and worked with the library to ensure that materials and events were funded. She also shelves books in the adult areas of the library and volunteers in the Friends Book Shop.

The library has many volunteers of all ages. Most help with reshelving books after patrons return them; others make copies, fold flyers and prepare crafts and programming. Volunteers range from middle-school age through senior citizens, and often come on a weekly basis.