The Blog

The Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) are excited to be rolling out the Literacy Without Barriers project beginning July 1, 2020 thanks to a $29,121 grant made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The NRL seek to support several types of literacy through programs and services that address the intergenerational nature of literacy, and support parents as the first teachers of their children. The NRL will create literacy centers at the Greene County Public Library, Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, La Grange Public Library, Maysville Public Library, and Pollocksville Public Library to meet the essential educational and technology needs of families through (1) one-on-one adult literacy tutoring by trained staff and volunteers that promotes economic growth, increased self-esteem, and empowerment; (2) homework help to prepare children for success in school and life experiences through after-school tutoring; (3) interactive literacy activities between parent and child; and (4) access to technology and internet connectivity to eliminate homework gap barriers.

Literacy Tutor Volunteers:

The Library is looking for volunteers to make a difference in their communities by helping adults improve their English fluency, reading comprehension, and/ or general math skills. Literacy Tutors should be organized, have strong speaking, reading and writing skills, and be able to meet with an adult learner once or twice a week for one hour-long sessions over a 6-month period. Literacy Tutors will be required to participate in a twelve-hour volunteer orientation program led by the Craven Literacy Council who will provide instructional training for participants at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library in August for free. If interested in becoming a Volunteer Literacy Tutor, please visit the Neuse Regional Libraries website at https://neuselibrary.org/lwb to complete a Volunteer Application form or call Melanie Morgan at (252) 527-7066 ext. 130 to learn more.

Adult Learners:

The Adult Literacy program provides personalized education to adults so they can transform their lives and contribute to a stronger community. If you or someone you know could benefit from one-on-one adult literacy tutoring we have a simple 5-step process to become a student in our Adult Literacy program.

Call 252.527.7066 ext. 129 to schedule an appointment.

Complete application.

Complete assessment testing.

Be matched with a tutor.

Commit to learning for 6 months to strengthen your potential for success.

The Adult Literacy Program provides personalized education to adults so they can transform their lives and contribute to a stronger community. Call today to get started. We are here to help you navigate a brighter tomorrow.

The Library also wants to acknowledge and thank Lenoir Community College; Lenoir County Health Services; Lenoir, Jones and Greene County Department of Social Services; and Self-Help Credit Union for partnering to increase 21st century literacy skills throughout our region. Each organization will be contributing to this project through programming, one-on-one workforce development training, and referrals to help community members discover beneficial services, and make a positive impact in the trajectory of their lives.

To learn more about the overall Literacy Without Barriers program visit the NRL website at neuselibrary.org, click Services from the drop down menu, and select Literacy. The Homework Help portion of this grant will begin in September.