Neuse Regional Libraries: Ending 2023 on a Good Note
By Melanie Morgan, Director of Libraries
Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) are excited to announce that the Library has been awarded the 2023 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Staff Development Award for Orientation Modules to Enhance Onboarding Process as well as recognition for the Trenton Public Library facility refresh project. It is an honor to be recognized at the state level for providing innovative services to the citizens of Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties. The Library accepted the awards at the NCPLDA Award Ceremony on November 30, 2023.
Staff Development Award- Orientation Modules to Enhance Onboarding Process
Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) have developed a series of orientation modules to address the Library’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan goal to “establish a culture of professional growth in order to maintain a healthy organization that supports a sustainable future.” These modules were inspired by an article on staff training in Public Libraries written by Jeff Collins, Deputy Director of the Laramie County Library in Wyoming at the time the article was published. They were created and first implemented for new NRL staff members during the 2022-23 fiscal year. Each module includes information such as links to webinars, policies, and procedures, and in-house training videos. These orientation modules were so successful that they were also used as a system-wide 2023-24 Individual Development Plan goal, allowing all staff members to brush up on foundational library skills and knowledge. This system-wide approach to training is particularly rare for smaller and medium-sized public libraries and results in staff members understanding a variety of topics to gain a better understanding of how the Library functions as a whole. Staff time invested will result in the long-term benefits of staff proficiency, confidence, and overall alignment with the NRL’s mission and values.
Outstanding New/Improved Library Facility Award – Trenton Public Library Refresh
As part of its Strategic Plan, the Neuse Regional Libraries 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 Trenton Public Library (TPL) thanks to special state funding allocated by Senator Michael Lazzara and Representative Pat McElraft with the assistance of Jones County Government.
The TPL built in the 1970s was once dark and dreary with bars on the windows, unwanted carpet in the bathroom, and hand-me-down furnishings. Now after a complete refresh, the Trenton Public Library is a vibrant, versatile space filled with cool colors, mobile furniture, and modern technology where community members can gather in a warm environment and feel welcomed. It is rewarding to see firsthand the renewed enthusiasm and love for the library by the Trenton community.
The Neuse Regional Libraries are grateful to be recognized by the NCPLDA for our 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.
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