Neuse Regional Libraries are continuing to come up with innovative new services to best serve the library needs of the public. While many of these new services are being designed to allow for library services to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation is also leading our staff to think about library services in new ways, and we will be able to continue using these new services well beyond the COVID area to ensure that our community has free access to library resources.

One of these renovations is our Youth Services department’s new Teen Book Crate. With school, homework, extracurricular activities, and socializing, teens are busy. Teen Book Crate is a convenient and personalized free book subscription service where teens are encouraged to discover new library books monthly. 

Subscription boxes have become increasingly popular in recent years; one of the reasons for this rise in popularity may be that they offer the element of surprise. They are also unique and can serve the interests of various participants. These are not generic, one-size-fits-all subscription boxes; Library staff members curate each monthly subscription box for each individual participant. 

Subscription to Book Crate encourages teens to try various kinds of books and decide which interest them most. Teens ages 13-18 may sign up for this service using either their library card or through the StudentAccess program by using their student ID number if they are a student at Greene, Jones, or Lenoir County Public Schools. Those interested should sign up before February 15, either at the Library or by calling 252-527-7066 Ext. 133. Those who sign up for Teen Book Crate commit to a three-month subscription. Subscriptions begin in the month of March and continue monthly through May. 

At signup teens will fill out a short survey choosing their favorite young adult fiction genres and formats including graphic novels or manga. Thanks to this personalization, teen subscribers will enjoy two hand-selected books, surprises and treats each month. The books must be returned but the surprises are theirs to keep.  In addition, they will also receive book recommendations for eBooks and information about upcoming teen library programs in the convenient format of a bookmark. 

Teens will be given a window of dates to pick up their Book Crates at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library after they sign up. Curbside pickup is also available. This service is available while supplies last. If you or a teen you know is interested in a Teen Book Crate subscription email msumner@neuselibrary.org or call (252)-527-7066 x133 to sign up or learn more.

Don’t forget about our other upcoming programs! For entrepreneurs in La Grange looking for some encouragement or guidance on how to get started, we are offering our Entrepreneur Workshop at the La Grange Public Library on February 22-24 from 9:30 to 12. If interested please email jnelson@neuselibrary.org; seats are limited and are filling fast. We also hope you will be able to join us in person or online for a presentation by Dr. Rita Joyner on her research on the 1951 Adkin High School walkout on Saturday, February 27 at 2 p.m. Join us at the Library (social distancing will be observed) or join us on Zoom – Meeting ID 937 0830 0414. For more information on library services or programming, please give us a call at 252-527-7066, Ext. 134.