By Amber Hargett, Engagement Librarian

The Neuse Regional Libraries’ Digital Resource Rover (DRR) has been on the road for one year now, and what a year it has been. Thanks to partnerships with the Kinston Housing Authority, Greene Lamp Head Start, the Lenoir County Council on Aging, and county agencies in Lenoir, Jones, and Greene Counties,  the DRR has greatly enhanced our ability to offer multigenerational programming in addition to library services throughout our communities.  

The DRR is a customized vehicle outfitted to transport library materials and digital resources with scheduled stops throughout Lenoir, Jones, and Greene counties. This modern twist on a traditional bookmobile is a mobile library offering free Wi-Fi access. printing and scanning services, and library programming in addition to print materials. The DRR has a permanent collection of books and curated collections that rotate quarterly.  

Besides checking out books, users can take advantage of increased access to technology and a variety of programming services ranging from workforce development to digital media training, STEM education, and early literacy. When on location, the DRR has an awning that can be extended for shade as well as tables and chairs for storytimes and other programs. Little ones can enjoy storytime from the comfort of the large storytime rug.  Job seekers can update their resumes and conduct job searches while students can choose their own adventure with STEM experiments and storytimes.  

A welcome recent addition to the DRR is the Neuse Regional Libraries’ Resource Specialist and Social Worker, Joyce Hawkins. Ms. Hawkins provides access to resources through the Let’s Connect program with the goal of connecting those with unmet needs to the resources they need. 

Please look for the DRR in your neighborhood. We make frequent stops across all three counties in our region in addition to participating in local community events and festivals. To date the DRR has participated in the Earth and Science Day Expo, Senior Appreciation Day, Trenton Founder’s Day, Proud to Be an American Day, National Night Out, Touch-a-Truck, the Pink Hill Christmas Parade, and the Greene County Black History Parade, just to name a few. The next big community event will be the Spring Eggstravanganza at the Greene County Sports Complex in Snow Hill on Saturday, April 1 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. If you would like to request the DRR to add your community event, please visit the Neuse Regional Libraries’ website neuselibrary.org/drr. A complete schedule of DRR stops can be found there as well.  

The Digital Resource Rover is made possible through grant  funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The DRR also received community support from a Lenoir County Government American Rescue Plan Act grant, Lenoir UNC Health Care, and the First National Bank.  

If you have any questions about the Digital Resource Rover, services provided, stop suggestions or wish to become a sponsor, please feel free to contact the Engagement Librarian at 252-527-7066, ext. 137 or via email at drr@neuselibrary.org.