The Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) are excited to announce that they have been awarded three out of five awards for the medium-sized library category as part of the 2021 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Awards as well as recognition for the Pink Hill Public Library facility refresh project.

It is an honor to be recognized at the state level for providing innovative services and programming to the citizens of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties. The Library will accept the awards at the NCPLDA Award Ceremony on December 9, 2021.  

Programming Award- Coming Together: A Community Celebration

NRL has made it a priority to offer programming that is as diverse as the communities they serve. To support these goals, the Library partnered with the City of Kinston and Lenoir County Government to present the “Coming Together: A Community Celebration” series. Coming Together consisted of several book discussions, an informative lecture, and a Juneteenth commemoration. Each distinct program in the series provided opportunities for community members to speak their truth, explore new perspectives, and honor a culture that continues to overcome adversity.

Service Innovation Award- Wi-Fi for All

NRL introduced the Wi-Fi for All project in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to increase access to wireless broadband Internet in Jones County, North Carolina by providing 10 drive-in Wi-Fi locations throughout the County. The installation of these locations included the purchase of two under 200 feet towers placed in strategic locations in the heart of Jones County to reach formerly inaccessible regions of the County, ensuring that the project was able to reach all ten of the planned Wi-Fi public hotspots.

Through this project, the Library also made Chromebook laptops available to the public for checkout, which ensured that every Jones County resident has access to a device that can be used with the public Wi-Fi hotspots to complete educational and career-related tasks. By increasing access to wireless internet, the Library reduced the homework gap facing local students while also providing residents with new opportunities for educational and career growth.

Public Relations of the Year Award-I Love My Library Campaign

NRL wanted to highlight National Library Week in an impactful and meaningful way to promote the library and spotlight our patrons.  In early 2021, the Library reached out to patrons to find out how the library directly impacts their lives through programs and services.  It was amazing and rewarding to learn how much our communities appreciate and value the Neuse Regional Libraries, and the level of appreciation they felt for our continued service during the COVID-19 pandemic.   This outpouring of appreciation inspired the I Love My Library campaign, and soon staff found more patrons than they could fit in one video who wanted to share their stories and why they love the library.

Links to Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqO0IDgoeCI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiHiR0sKzkw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKnWoZvMLdY

Outstanding New/Improved Library Facility Award – Etta Jones Turner Public Library Refresh

NRL, which serve Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties, are committed to providing residents with welcoming community spaces where they feel encouraged to enjoy library services and interact with other library users. As part of its Strategic Plan, the Library identified one of its priorities as “…[creating] smart spaces in or around the Library where community members engage in active learning and strengthen social connections.”  Towards this goal, Library staff recently did some much-needed refreshing at the Etta Jones Turner Public Library also known as the Pink Hill Public Library with the assistance of the Town of Pink Hill and funding by the Institute of Museum and Library Service Gateway to STEM grant.   

The Pink Hill Public Library is very small in scale but is fortunate to have a base of patrons that are extremely active and loyal.  It stands on the town’s main street, and its visible presence in the community serves as an easily accessible gateway to learning and advancement. Converted from a residence, the Library was forced to adapt to an existing floor plan instead of one designed specifically for library services. Because of the floor plan, the Library had a difficult time dramatically reshaping the layout of the building. However, the Library was able to install new LED lights, ceiling tiles, flooring, mobile furniture, an interactive STEAM station, VR equipment, a gaming station while infusing a vibrant color scheme that created an environment that encourages community collaboration and interaction. Additionally, with the Town of Pink Hill’s help, the Library added outside gardening boxes and replaced the existing front porch with an ADA compliant deck that includes an accessible ramp to meet the mobility needs of all patrons.  Still, the most significant impact of this project is the renewed enthusiasm and love for the library by the Pink Hill community.

The Neuse Regional Libraries are grateful to be recognized by the NCPLDA for their part in creating a bright and sustainable future for Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties in the field of librarianship.  However, we know we could not do it without the support of our communities and the strong leadership of our local government entities and library board members.  Thanks to each of you for your support and advocacy of the Neuse Regional Libraries. To learn more about the Neuse Regional Libraries, visit the NRL website at neuselibrary.org or call 252-527-7066.