As we’ve discussed previously in this column, one of Neuse Regional Libraries’ strategic goals is the creation of alternative pathways to learning that focus on 21^st century literacy and workforce development skills, which in turn foster economic growth and improved quality of life in our communities. We intend to meet this goal by providing instructional programming to increase 21^st century literacy utilizing staff expertise and strategic partnerships.

In pursuit of this goal, we are happy to be able to present another round of the ICE HOUSE Entrepreneurship Program, a free three part course sponsored by the NC IDEA Foundation designed to inspire and engage participants with the determination and perseverance of an entrepreneurial mindset. This program will be offered on November 16, 18, and 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. each morning.

The NC IDEA Foundation is a private North Carolina foundation created to serve the community by the promotion of entrepreneurship. Their goal is to empower North Carolinians with an entrepreneurial mindset in efforts to encourage economic development. This Foundation selected the Neuse Regional Libraries as one of its partners in presenting the ICE HOUSE program to the public as a pilot program, the goal of which is to create a blueprint for all libraries in North Carolina to become Entrepreneurial Learning Centers and stronger providers of resources for patrons seeking information on business.

Our Marketing Librarian, Jennifer Nelson, received specialized training from NC IDEA on how to present the ICE HOUSE program. She presented the program to our first group of future entrepreneurs last November and again in January 2020. The participants were all residents of our community, some of whom already have begun their own businesses from custom doll making to health and wellness coaches. 

The program is centered around the Eight Life Lessons from the book Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur by Clifton Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger. Taulbert was an African-American resident of Glen Allan, Mississippi, a poor cotton community at the height of segregation, who went on to be recognized by Time magazine as “one of our nation’s most outstanding emerging entrepreneurs.” 

The previous iterations of this program were a great success and we are looking forward to presenting it again. Seating for the workshop is limited and registration will close this Saturday, October 31. Contact Jennifer at jnelson@neuselibrary.org or 252-527-7066 x126 to make a reservation. Facial masks are required and social distancing practices will be observed. We are looking forward to this opportunity to put more of our library users into the entrepreneurial mindset.