Library News
Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield Receives Generous Gift
On December 4th, 2023, the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield received an unexpected and generous donation in the amount of $35,898 from the disbanded Smithfield Women's Club.
Laura Moore, incorporator of the club, along with past President Sarah Caldwell and past Treasurer Crystal Allen, worked for several years to award donated funds to three non-profit organizations within Johnston County. The non-profits that received these large donations were the Johnston County Health Foundation Hospice Fund, the Johnston County Arts Council, and the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield.
The funding of the donations comes from the sale of the club's facility located on North Second Street. This facility was built in 1931 and was used by the community during its heyday for dances, receptions, family reunions, and meetings.
The library is very appreciative and humbled by this generous donation.
Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield Now Offering Nature-Themed Backpacks
As of October 30, 2023, the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield (PLJCS) now circulates nature-themed backpacks. It is the hope of the library that these backpacks promote both mental and physical well-being by encouraging families to get outside and explore the county together!
Each backpack contains materials related to a particular theme: Johnston County trails, bugs and insects, trees and flowers, and birds. PLJCS users in good standing may check out a backpack from the Children’s Department with their library card. Backpacks can remain checked out for a period of up to three weeks but are non-renewable. Returns must be made in person to the Patron Services or Children’s Department.
Replacement costs for lost or damaged backpacks (and/or their contents) can range from $4 to $143.
These backpacks were made possible by funding from the Johnston County Community Foundation. Generous contributions of items including event calendars, carabiners, sunglasses, bike route guides, and more have been made by Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Johnston County Visitors Bureau, and the Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department.
For questions or more information, call 984-985-BOOK.
