TO CONGRATULATE LANA GARDNER, DIRECTOR OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HER MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Whereas, since 1997, Lana Gardner has carried out her duties as a librarian with excellence, her present position being director of the Cherokee County Public Library. On June 30, 2015, Mrs. Gardner will retire from the post she has graced with wisdom, kindness, humor, and solid skill; and

Whereas, in 1997, this Gaffney native inaugurated her career in the public-library system with part-time duties at the Cowpens branch. While serving part-time, she decided to return to school to earn her master's degree in library science from the University of South Carolina. She served as branch manager at Cowpens for five years and in August 2006 was named director of the Cherokee County Public Library; and

Whereas, throughout her years in this position, Mrs. Gardner has implemented numerous grants that have brought the library improvements ranging from the upgrading of computers to the upcoming purchase of a 2015 Ford Transit van for the library's community-outreach services. In addition, she created and implemented the 2012-2015 strategic plan for the library; and

Whereas, following the advice of librarians everywhere that all of us should be lifetime learners, Lana Gardner keeps abreast of developments in her profession by attending many library-related meetings and conferences. She attended the national-level Association for Rural and Small Libraries conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, and presented a workshop on strategic planning, and she was selected by the South Carolina State Library to attend the 2013 National Legislative Day in Washington, D.C.; and

Whereas, Lana Gardner keeps her eye out for partnership opportunities and always has recognized the importance of community involvement and support in sustaining local libraries. Her colleagues will tell you that her goals for the Cherokee County Public Library haven't changed since day one and that she has gone above and beyond to make it what it is today: a great place to work and a great resource for library patrons. Further, under her leadership the Cherokee County Public Library won the 2008 Governmental Excellence Award; and

Whereas, Mrs. Gardner believes strongly in personal involvement with her community, and her convictions have led her to serve that community in several capacities. These include service on the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (president, 2013), Gaffney Rotary Club Board, and Cherokee County First Steps Advisory Board. In all her labors, Lana Gardner finds her strongest support in her family: her husband of forty-six years, Charles, and their two sons, Wesley and Todd, who have given their parents the joy of four grandchildren. As people of faith, the Gardners are longtime members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cowpens; and

Whereas, grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and fine leadership Lana Gardner has bestowed on the people of South Carolina, the Senate takes great pleasure in wishing her all the best as she enters retirement. The members trust she will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Lana Gardner, director of the Cherokee County Public Library, on the occasion of her retirement, extend deep appreciation for her many years of outstanding public service to the citizens of Cherokee County, and offer best wishes for a satisfying and rewarding retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lana Gardner.