25 Reasons to Love the Library (That Have Nothing to Do with Books)
Emily Nethercutt
Yes, libraries have books, plenty of them. From physical copies to ebooks and audiobooks, there’s no shortage of stories to explore, but today’s library is so much more than a place to read.
At the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, we offer access, opportunity, creativity, and community. Whether you are learning a new skill, learning about your family history, or recording your first podcast, the library is here for you.
Our Digital Media Lab features studio-grade recording equipment and trained staff ready to guide you from your first recording to final edits. Want to start a podcast, record music, or experiment with something new? Just book a session.
We believe technology should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we host free computer classes on the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m., welcoming all skill levels. Need one-on-one help? Schedule a technology appointment through Information Services and we’ll work with you at your pace to answer all your technology questions.
Our computer lab offers access to computers, the internet, and essential software for school, work, and everyday needs. We provide technology checkouts, including laptops, iPads, and hotspots available for one-week use.
For those interested in family history, the library offers valuable genealogical research resources to help trace your past. With access to the ancestry database Heritage Quest, digital collections, and knowledgeable staff, tracing family lineage across generations is more accessible.
The library is dedicated to preserving local history and community identity. We collect photographs, documents, and stories that reflect the unique identity of our region, and we work with the state to digitize these materials to ensure long-term preservation and access. Through recorded oral histories, which become available in May, we capture the voices and experiences that have shaped our community so they remain accessible for future generations to learn from.
We are proud to have a full-time social worker on staff, Ms. Joyce Hawkins, who connects community members with vital resources. She works closely with the community to spread awareness about the vital resources that are needed. Through programs and appointments, Joyce provides both opportunities to discover valuable resources and guidance in navigating stressful situations. Every resource identified is added to our Community Resource Guide from the Library website.
Coffee and Conversations is a weekly program on Wednesdays at 9:30 am that provides insight on resources in and around the community by bringing in speakers and groups, including those outside of the area. Let’s Connect has office hours weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am where the community can get one on one help with accessing community resources for food assistance, housing, and more.
We are equally committed to creating inclusive spaces. Our Multi-Sensory Environment, located in the children’s library, is available by reservation and offers a calming space with tactile and visual elements for those who may feel overstimulated or need to reset. It is one of the few publicly accessible multi-sensory environments in Eastern North Carolina, making it a vital resource for many families.
For children and families, storytime is more than just reading, it is an experience. Each session is thoughtfully designed for specific age groups, supporting early literacy, creativity, and development. It creates opportunities for children to socialize before school age and for caregivers to build meaningful connections and learn how to support and encourage early literacy skills.
Teens have a space of their own at the library. Our dedicated Teen Area is designed to give them a place to exist, explore, and engage independently, with access to young adult collections, computers, and support from an awesome Teen Librarian, Ms. Monique, focused on their needs.
Within the Teen Area, our mobile kitchen supports the program MasterChef, helping participants build cooking skills and learn about nutrition in a fun, hands-on way.
The space also includes video game consoles—check out a controller and enjoy gaming at the library.
Looking for magazines and newspapers? We offer a wide selection both in-house and digitally through Libby, making it easy to access your favorite publications without the cost.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners can take advantage of our market research resources, including access to industry reports and tools to identify competitors, connect with new homeowners, and have access to the information required to make informed business decisions.
We also offer craft programs that bring creativity and new experiences into the community. With guidance from Ms. Charlene, everyone is able to learn a new skill, try a new craft, and have a great time while doing it.
Need a quiet place to work? Our study rooms provide space for studying, virtual meetings, or test-taking, with reservations available in advance. Each room is set up to allow guests private and quiet spaces to focus with access to the wi-fi and technology if needed.
Students across the county benefit from Student Access, which allows them to use their student ID to access library resources and check out materials throughout the year. Even during the summer, students can use library resources with their student ID, ensuring information access is always available.
Through our Digital Resource Rover (DRR), we bring the library beyond the walls of the library. The DRR travels throughout the county to provide books, storytimes, crafts, and more to those who may not be able to visit in person.
Want to learn a new language? Our Transparent Language database offers lessons in 110 languages, including American Sign Language. Plus, we won’t harass you like that green owl does.
We provide access to streaming services like Access Video on Demand and Just for Kids Streaming, featuring documentaries, educational content, and award-winning programming. Whether you are looking to support curriculum standards or just learn something new, these streaming services provide high quality content with just a library card.
Preparing for a test or considering a career change? We have nine databases that support test preparation, resume building, and career exploration. These include everything from GED preparation to SAT study aids to career assessments.
At its core, the Library is about community. We create opportunities for engagement, connection, and lifelong learning through programs for all ages. Not only are we working to bring the community together in the library, but out as well, as we work with community partners to bring the resources and access to more places.
This includes educational and entertaining programming for adults, with guest speakers and events designed to inspire continued learning and curiosity. Who says we can’t have fun as adults?
And finally, our staff are at the heart of it all. They work every day to ensure these resources are available, to answer your questions, and to help you find what you need. Whether you're searching for information, support, or connection, the library is here.
We have books, but we also have so much more.
