The Friends of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is still in the process of recruiting new and renewing former library supporters. Our local Friends group is a collection of unsung heroes who work in the background to provide funds for programs that would not be available otherwise.

I am well acquainted with the work of Friends. For two decades or more, I served as President of the Friends. I also was on the board of the North Carolina Friends of the Library, a statewide group that helped local Friends advocate for their libraries. I also served 18 years on the Neuse Regional and Kinston-Lenoir County Library boards.

A few facts about our public library may surprise you. Our Library serves a geographic area that covers 402 square miles with a population of roughly 60,000 people. Of those citizens, more than 45,000 have library cards – nearly 77 percent of all our citizens. In addition to the books and magazines we tend to associate with libraries, our library offers services to audiobooks, DVDs, games, and periodicals. Our library even offers E-Books and E-Periodicals.

From 1999 through April 15, 2015, the Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library raised $261,828.00 in memberships and donations. That money funded, on average, 30 programs each year, and nearly 500 programs over that 16-year period.

From July 2013 through June 2014, about 26,000 people attended programs sponsored by the Friends. From July 2018 through June 2021, more than 73,500 people attended Friends-sponsored programs.

 “As part of the Neuse Regional Libraries, the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library has a demonstrated history of serving the citizens of Lenoir County and a proven track record of introducing projects that inspire creativity, foster learning, and increase engagement in the community,” said Melanie Morgan, Director of Libraries. “The library invests heavily in the skills and personal development of residents, offers a welcoming and inclusive place for the community, and builds partnerships and programs that have significant community impact.”

“Since 1979, the Friends have provided volunteer and fundraising support that has resulted in hundreds of educational and cultural programs that would not be possible otherwise,” she added.

I remember years ago, a reporter from the Free Press made some disparaging remarks about the Friends of the Library. He had tried to sign up for an intensely popular program the Friends were sponsoring when he was told that Friends have a preference for admission.

He said he thought it a shame that the elite of the community received such preferential treatment. I asked him:

“How much money do you think a person has to give to join the Friends?”

“I have no idea,” was his reply. I told him. He was shocked.

How much does it cost to join the Friends? I do not think it will break your bank. The level of Friends membership begins with a Student membership for $5.00 a year. Other levels of membership are: Individual, $10.00; Family, $20.00; Sponsor, $50.00; Patron, $100.00; Benefactor, $250.00; and Partner, $500.00.

            Ramon Jones, current president of the Friends, said:

“The Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library and its board have been advocating for the library and supporting their mission of inspiring creativity, fostering learning, and engaging the community in numerous ways since being founded in 1978.

“Our primary goal is to serve our communities by providing popular programs, including culturally enriching presentations, informative lectures, and innovative technology demonstrations at our Kinston-Lenoir County Public Libraries. I encourage you to visit the Neuse Regional Libraries website online at www.neuselibrary.org to preview the many engaging activities offered by our libraries.

“The opportunities provided by the Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library allow libraries to present educational and entertaining youth programming and services in order to give children tools such as Countdown to Kindergarten, STEM labs, and Homework Help that will empower them to secure future success.

“With the financial support of the Friends, the Kinston-Lenoir Public Libraries are also able to host a fun and interactive Summer Reading Program for students of all ages to help students avoid the ‘summer slide’ and experience greater levels of achievement in school.

 We can all be a part of making these incredible programs and services a reality for patrons of all ages in Lenoir County. All you need to do is make a contribution to the Kinston- Lenoir County Friends of the Library. Businesses can also join under the corporate program.

Please renew your membership right now. If you wait, you may forget.

If you are not a member, please join the Friends today.

Click on this link to renew or to join Friends:

https://www.neuselibrary.org/kinston-lenoir-county-friends-of-the-library/

Or go by the library and pick up a brochure, determine the membership level you want, and donate at the level you find comfortable.

If everyone gives even a little, together we can do great things.

Mike Parker, who serves on the Friends board, is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.