The Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library is fortunate to have the support of a very active Friends of the Library organization. Since 1979, the Friends have provided volunteer and fundraising support that has resulted in hundreds of educational and cultural programs being offered to the public at no charge. With their help, the Library has been able to offer continuing programs such as the literary lectures of Dr. Elliot Engel, the annual Local High School Quiz Bowl, musical performances from many prominent local bands, and much, much more.

The programming supported by the Friends of the Library serves the entirety of the community, from toddlers to senior citizens, and is inclusive of all local residents. This diverse array of programming that we are able to offer our patrons every year would not be possible without the Friends, who organize several annual events to raise funding for our Library. The Friends also play an essential role in supporting our Library’s Children’s Services, and their generosity have made it possible to offer a welcome kit to each child who signs up for a new library card.

For the past 15 years, one of the biggest events of the Friends’ year is the annual cruise raffle drawing. Originally begun as a way to raise funding for the Library’s renovation project in 2005, the Friends have continued organizing and holding this raffle since then as an engaging way to raise funding for library programming.

Each ticket costs $100, and provides not only a one-in-one-hundred chance to win the choice of a Caribbean Cruise or $2,500, but also entitles the ticketholder and one guest to attend the annual cruise raffle drawing party hosted by the Friends at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library. Tickets are available at the Circulation Desk of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library and through individual Friends of the Library Board members.

The party will be held on Sunday, February 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Schechter Auditorium of the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library and will feature catered heavy hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, and a performance from Rick and Jane Vernon and Friends. This year’s theme is “A Love Story.” Rick and Jane will perform a wide array of romantic classics while joined onstage by vocalist/guitarist Vance “Tres” Rich and drummer John Galog.

If you are looking for a fun way to support the Library and its mission, the cruise raffle is a great way to do so. By supporting the Friends of the Library, you are assisting us in making the Library a true community center with something to offer every resident of Lenoir County. For more information on how to purchase tickets or how to join the Friends of the Library, please call (252) 527-7066, Ext. 120.