To bring some joy to the colder months of the year, the Neuse Regional Libraries has created the Winter Reads Adult Reading Program. This 6-week program will focus on building healthy minds and bodies and will include a community book discussion, exercise programs, virtual cooking classes, and activities to improve and maintain mental health.

Registration begins January 2 at all Neuse Regional Libraries. Participants will fill out a registration form and on January 18, an activity packet can be picked up. Patrons who wish to participate but are not able to come into the building can register and receive their packet online for printing or can pick up their packet curbside as well. Filled with a variety of brain teasers, puzzles, and other fun projects, each completed activity can be turned in for a ticket for entry into a gift basket prize.

Winter Reads will also bring various activities both in the library and virtually for everyone to enjoy. The Community Reads aspect of the program will include the reading of Mornings With Rosemary by Libby Page. Alternatively titled The Lido, Mornings with Rosemary is a charming, feel-good novel that captures the heart and spirit of a community across generations—an irresistible tale of love, loss, aging, and friendship. Each Neuse Regional Libraries location will hold a book discussion at least once during the 6-week program. Tickets can be earned by attending these discussions. 

Beginning Wednesday, January 20, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., representatives from the NC Cooperative Extension will present virtual classes to help keep your body healthy through better nutritional choices as well as share some delicious recipes for you to try from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively, these videos can be viewed in various Neuse Regional Libraries locations.

Yoga and meditation classes will be happening at three locations. At the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, Sharon Mervin will teach short lunchtime yoga classes on Fridays at 12:15 p.m. starting January 22 for four weeks. At the Greene County Public Library Creed Piel will be leading a 4-week yoga class beginning on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. in February. For those interested in meditation, Creed Piel will also lead a 4-week meditation techniques class held at the La Grange Public Library on Thursdays beginning February 4.

For the healthy mind portion of the program, there will be several opportunities, both virtual and in the library, to learn more about mental wellness. Neuse Regional Libraries has partnered with EastPointe to bring a series of videos discussing various techniques to improve mental health. These videos will be available via the Library’s YouTube channel and shown on the Facebook page. There will be two Journaling for Mental Health classes at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library to explore different methods of journaling on Saturday, January 16 at 11:00am and Tuesday, January 19 at 6:30pm. Seats are limited to 10 participants per session. Each participant will receive a free composition notebook for their journaling. At the La Grange Public Library, Allison Garzo from Therapeutic Alternatives, will share techniques to maintain good mental health on Thursday, January 28, at 5:30 p.m. 

Various prizes will be given away throughout the Neuse Regional Libraries system including gift cards, coffee mugs, and other useful items. We hope that you will participate in these exciting new programs while enjoying our featured book and joining the discussion.  If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact your local library or call 252-527-7066, ext. 140.