Summer reading programs for children have been a vital part of the Library’s role for decades. Now for the first time, the Neuse Regional Library wants to let adults participate in summer reading as well! Sign up and enjoy music, lectures, puzzles, and prizes. Our theme for this summer is “Rediscovering the Civil War”. All of our book talks are part of the “Let’s Talk About It” series, sponsored by the North Carolina Humanities Council. These book talks bring scholars and communities together to explore how selected books illuminate a particular theme, ours being “America’s Greatest Conflict: Novels of the Civil War.

We’ll kick things off on Sunday, June 2 at 3 pm with a performance by the Gunboat Boys. Local musicians Mike Parker, Jim Gaddis, Nathan Bingham, Bob Gaddis, and Jeff Haddock will take us back in time by playing some Civil War-era tunes. On June 4 at 2 p.m. Andy Bennett and Rachel Kennedy from the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center will discuss William Tecumseh Sherman’s march through the Carolinas in 1865 and the impact that was made on eastern North Carolina.

The first book of the “Let’s Talk About It” series is The March by E.L. Doctorow. Author, singer-songwriter, and editor Alice Osborn will be here to lead a discussion about it on June 13 at 4 pm.

On June 18 at 2 p.m. Rachel Kennedy and Zoey Lee from the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center will discuss women’s roles taking care of soldiers during the Civil War and provide brief information on the importance of railroads in transporting troops and military hospitals.

The second book of the “Let’s Talk About It” series is On The Occasion of My Last Afternoon by Kaye Gibbons. Author, song writer and Director Emeritus of Sheppard Memorial Library Willie Nelms will lead a book discussion on June 27 at 4 pm.

On July 9 at 2 p.m. Andy Bennett from the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center will discuss the 26th NC, which was one of the units fighting at Gettysburg in July 1863.

The third book of the “Let’s Talk About It” series is The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. Scholar Jane Andrews will lead a book discussion on June 11 at 4 pm.

On July 23 at 2 p.m. a speaker from the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center will present a lecture on Deserters, Bushwackers, and Prisoners.

The fourth book of the “Let’s Talk About It” series is Enemy Women by Paulette Giles. ECU Professor Frank Deena will lead a book discussion on July 25 at 4 pm.

The fifth book of the “Let’s Talk About It” series is Lincoln’s Dream by Connie Willis. Author, pastor, and Professor at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University Billy Yeargin will lead a book discussion on August 1 at 4 pm.

Copies of the “Let’s Talk About it” book series titles are available at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. All programs will take place in the Schechter auditorium of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library location. A program guide for Adult Summer Reading, including all events and extra activities, can be picked up at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. For each event attended, participants will be able to submit a raffle ticket for the chance to win one of two gift baskets filled with local specialties and items to help make for a truly memorable staycation. For more information on our Adult Summer Reading Program and any associated events, please call (252) 527-7066 ext. 134.