The School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina presented its Annual Literacy Leaders Awards Sept. 11 at the Hollings Room of the Thomas Cooper Library.

Established in 2007, the awards recognize individuals or organizations that had a statewide impact on literacy in South Carolina. This year’s recipients are Randy Akers, executive director of the Humanities Council of South Carolina; Rudy Mancke, professor, naturalist and host of SCETV's NatureScene; and the South Carolina Book Awards Program.

WLTX anchor Darci Strickland emceed the event, which included a welcome by Kim Jeffcoat, executive director of South Carolina Children's Books and Literacy, and remarks by Dr. Sam Hastings, director of the School of Library and Information Science.