Calling writers of all ages! To celebrate National Novel Writing Month in November, the PLJCS Teen Advisory Board is holding a creative writing contest. We want to hear from you... this is your chance to let your creativity shine and tell your story! Rules Entrants must be Johnston County library patrons. The entry must be your own original work. Entries must not use artificial intelligence as a part of work. The entry must not be a previously published work. Only one entry per contestant will be allowed. Each entry must be 5000 words or less. Categories Children (ages 8 and younger) Tweens (ages 9-12) Teens (ages 13-17) Adults (ages 18 and older) Prizes One winner from each category will receive: An award ribbon Their story posted on the PLJCS Website Submissions Entries must be submitted as .doc or .pdf files Entries should be submitted through the PLJCS Creative Writing Form linked here. Submission will be accepted from Sunday, November 1 at 12:00 AM until Monday, November 30 at 11:59 PM. Any questions can be directed to Skye at spoole@pljcs.org or 984-985-2665 (extension 4)

There's an exciting initiative at the Public Library of Johnston County for community members interested in learning high-demand career skills! Through a new partnership between NC LIVE and Google, our library can now provide local residents with free access to Google Career Certificates, including AI training. The Grow with Google program enables North Carolina residents to earn professional certificates in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, and more. These certificates were developed by Google employees with decades of experience in these fields, and are hands-on, practical, and rigorous. They can be completed in three to six months part-time. Benefits of the partnership include: No Cost or Experience: Google Career Certificates do not require a prior degree or experience. They only take 3–6 months part-time to complete. Direct Path to Hiring: Over 150 major employers (including Target, Lowe’s, Verizon, and Wells Fargo) use these certificates for hiring and upskilling. Statewide AI Focus: The partnership supports North Carolina’s new AI Strategic Roadmap by equipping local workers and small business owners with immediate AI and digital skills. Browse available courses, request your account, and find answers to frequently asked questions on NC LIVE's Grow with Google webpage. If you have any questions, email Stephanie, Marketing & Technology Librarian, at shaumont@pljcs.org.

A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes: Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with PLJCS! This September, the Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield (PLJCS) joins libraries nationwide in celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month. Community members are encouraged to discover everything a library card unlocks. An initiative of the American Library Association, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year, combat illiteracy, and encourage communities everywhere to explore all the offerings that libraries have to offer. This year’s theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes,” is a reminder that libraries offer something for everyone no matter age, background, or goals. While a library card is not required to attend the library’s programs or classes, registered card holders gain free access to an extensive list of resources, including: Books, movies on DVD, audiobooks on CD, and Wonderbooks. E-books and audiobooks through the Libby app. NC LIVE digital resources, including research databases, language learning, career development tools, genealogy resources, and more. Technology lending, including hotspots and e-readers. Nature-themed backpacks, pickleball sets, and book club kits through the Library of Things. NC Cardinal, a statewide catalog connecting hundreds of libraries across North Carolina, which allows patrons the ability to request materials that PLJCS doesn’t have locally and have them delivered to their home library. Getting a library card is free, easy, and empowering. For students, it’s a key to academic success. For adults, it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. For everyone, it’s a smart way to stay connected to your community. Residents can stop by with a photo ID and proof of their current address and receive a card on the spot. Once issued, the card can be used at any of the Johnston County affiliated libraries, as well as the entire NC Cardinal network. Residents who are only interested in digital resources have the option to apply for a virtual library card online for access to Libby, NC Kids Digital, NC Kids Level Up, and NC LIVE. This September, B sharp and sign up for a library card. Stop by the Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield at 305 E. Market Street in Downtown Smithfield or visit us online at pljcs.org to sign up for your card today.

We are now accepting library volunteer applications! Interested community members, ages 13 and up, are encouraged to stop by the library's Patron Services Desk to pick up a volunteer application. While volunteer applications may be picked up and returned at any time the library is open, please submit your completed application by Tuesday, September 15 to be considered for our first cycle of volunteer interviews taking place later in September. Completed applications may be returned to the Patron Services Desk. Visit our volunteer webpage at www.pljcs.org/volunteer to get all of the details about the process for selecting volunteers, expectations of volunteers, a list of assignments for volunteers, and our Volunteer Policy.

Whoa! The totals have been tallied and the winners have been notified for our 2026 Summer Reading Program! Check out our Summer Reading Stats: Adult Summer Reading Stats 633 books read 47 program attendees 11 adult programs offered Teen Summer Reading Stats 707 books read 114 program attendees 14 teen programs offered Children's Summer Reading Stats 111 participating readers 215 completed reading logs submitted 4300 days of reading (that’s 11.78 years worth of consecutive reading days)! Additionally, we offered 28 "general audience" programs, that were offered for all ages, with a total of 336 attendees! Some fun prizes were up for grabs this summer. Winners of our 2026 Summer Reading Program prizes include: Adult Prize Winners Rebecca S. Ashley S. Skyla P. Meaghan B. Teen Prize Winners Hannah W. Eva W. Lorelai K. Emmanuel C. Youth Grand Prize Winners First place: Cooper S. Second place: Nasir S. Third place: Trenton G. Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks to everyone who helped us "Unearth a Story" this summer by digging into great books, joining us for fun programs, and exploring all the library has to offer! We have had a blast and we are looking forward to Summer Reading 2027: "Mysteries Await at Your Library."

If you've ever picked up one of those sepia-colored pictorial history books at a local bookstore or museum gift shop, the ones packed with vintage photos of your hometown's Main Street, mill, or lighthouse, you already know Arcadia Publishing. Now, thanks to a new partnership with NC LIVE, those North Carolina titles are available online for free to our library cardholders. What's New? NC LIVE has added 330 Arcadia Publishing eBooks to its HomeGrown eBooks Collection, covering local history in 130 cities, towns, and regions across North Carolina, from Building the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains to the Outer Banks on the coast. Like the rest of HomeGrown, these titles are unlimited and simultaneous-use, so there's no waitlist or checkout limit. As many patrons who want to read about their community's history can do it at the same time. The addition was funded through an Institute of Museum and Library Services (ILMS) grant tied to the nation's semiquincentennial, alongside three new Gale Archives Unbound collections on the American Revolution, slavery in America, and the Civil War (also free through NC LIVE). Why It's Worth a Look Arcadia's Images of America series is packed with real photographs, like old storefronts, mills, schools, and neighborhoods, that bring your town's past to life in a way a textbook never could. With 130 communities covered, there's a good chance that your hometown, or a place you've always wondered about, is in the collection. This addition comes as the country marks its 250th anniversary, so it's also a great way to dig into how North Carolina's local stories connect to the bigger America story. How to Access the Collection Go to the library's website at pljcs.org Find the "Collection" menu at the top of the pages and open it. Under the heading "Download & Stream" select "eBooks & Audiobooks" In the list of resources, find "NC LIVE's Homegrown eBook" Collection and select it. You may be prompted to type in your library card n umber and PIN. Use the search box in the top left corner to search by city, town, university, or region. Search for Arcadia Publishing to browse all 330 titles in alphabetical order. Use the following link to access the collection now: 330 Arcadia Publishing eBooks via NC LIVE HomeGrown eBooks Collection. Try It Yourself Search your own hometown, or a place you've always been curious about, and see what turns up. Read instantly in the browser. No downloads, no holds, no due dates. Which title are you most excited to read?

From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has inspired generations of unforgettable writers. We've made it easier to explore stories written by authors with ties to the Tar Heel State with our newly designed North Carolina author label, appearing on the spines of books in our collection written by NC authors . When you're browsing the shelves, the NC author label is your shortcut to stories rooted right here in our state. North Carolina has produced an incredible range of voices, and we want to be sure those voices are easy to find. To celebrate, we're displaying a curated collection of books by NC authors on the book display near the Patron Services Desk. You'll find a variety of adult fiction novels, all from writers who call North Carolina home. Stop by and browse our display, and take home a story shaped by the same landscapes, communities, and histories that surround us every day. If you have a favorite NC author you think we should feature, let us know at the Patron Services Desk or you can drop it in the comments below here. We'd love to hear your suggestions. Happy reading!

Get ready to dig into adventure this summer! Our 2026 Summer Reading theme, "Unearth a Story," invites readers of all ages to explore the past, uncover hidden tales, and discover worlds buried beneath the surface. This year's theme celebrates curiosity, discovery, and the thrill of finding something new. As in the past, we will be offering families in our community the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). CSLP is a consortium of state libraries and public library systems working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children, teens, adults, and families. Our Summer Reading Program will kick off on June 1 and run through July 31. Summer reading bags will be available starting on June 1st for children ages 3 to 12 and for teens ages 13 to 18. Reading logs will be available all summer and participants can earn rewards and a chance to win a grand prize drawing. See all details on our Summer Reading webpage at www.pljcs.org/2026-summer-reading. We'll offer programs, activities, and reading challenges that are sure to make this a dino-mite summer for all kids, teens, and adults! Download, view, and print our 2026 Summer Reading Guide here: 2026 PLJCS Summer Reading Guide

Celebrate the valuable role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities ! We'll be observing both NC Library Week and National Library Week from April 19-24, 2026. For National Library Week, libraries across the country are asking their community, "What brings you library joy?" We're  highlight the innumerable ways people can find joy in the library, whether through books, community, library resources, or all of the above.  Stop by and discover some library joy by seeing what your library has to offer, or check out our website for more! Along with other libraries across NC, we will be sharing about the following daily themes for NC Library Week, so be sure to follow along on social media:  Monday, April 20 - NC Accessibility Day: Highlighting the many ways libraries increase accessibility to information through services, programs and resources.  Tuesday, April 21 - NC Library Workers Day: Showcasing the contributions library workers in NC make every day to serve their communities.  Wednesday, April 22nd - NC Library Outreach Day: Celebrating community outreach programs and events that bring library services directly to users.  Thursday, April 23rd - Celebrating Libraries Day: Highlighting the role libraries play in strengthening North Carolina communities. Friday, April 24th - Thanking Supporters Day: Thanking library users by highlighting how frequently users utilize library services and programs. Stop by this week and check out all that we have to offer (and pick up some cool library swag while supplies last)! Stop by for a visit - there's something for everyone at PLJCS!

Calling gingerbread architects of all ages! Join us for our 13th Annual Gingerbread House Festival, where creativity, community, and a little bit of frosting come together for one sweet competition.   Entries will be accepted for the following age categories:   Family Junior (ages 6-8) Youth (ages 9-12) Teen (ages 13-17) Adult (18+) ​ Here's what you need to know if you plan to participate:​ Festival entries will be accepted Monday, December 1st through Wednesday, December 3rd by 5PM. Presentation of ribbons will be on Thursday, December 4th at 4PM. ​ Entry requirements: Your creation does not have to be a house; any structure is acceptable. ALL components of the structure must be edible, excluding the base. The structure must be attached to a base no larger than 14” x 17”. Entries may be original creations or kits. Additional points will be given for creativity and originality. Entries must be picked up by 4PM on Thursday, December 11th.  Failure to pick up your entry by this deadline will result in disposal of the entry in its entirety by library staff (no exceptions). ​ Contact Ashley at 984-985-BOOK (extension 3) or by email at AWood@pljcs.org with questions. ​

As we welcome the new year, let's set some new reading goals! Aiming to read more fiction? Read more nonfiction? Explore new genres? Challenge yourself with a specific number of books? No matter your goal, we're here to support you!  ​ Stay on track with your reading goal - check out these helpful tips: Set a weekly reading time - even 15 minutes counts! Try audiobooks for commutes or chores. Get started with Libby at www.pljcs.org/libby . Track progress with a reading journal app or notebook. Join a book club.  Join one of our adult book clubs - get more information at www.pljcs.org/adult-programs .​ ​Borrow one of our "Book Club Kits" and host your own book club! Details: www.pljcs.org/lot .​ Get personalized book recommendations from us! Sign up for our "PLJCS Reads" service at www.pljcs.org/pljcs-reads .

Mark your calendars for the Friends of the Library 2026 Spring Book Sale, held on the second floor of the library in the Multipurpose Meeting Room.    Member's Only Preview:   Wednesday, May 6  from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. General Public: Wednesday, May 6  from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7  from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 8  from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9  from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Prices are per book with the exception of Saturday, which is the Book Sale's $15 bag of books day (FOL will provide the bag). Shoppers can pay with either cash or cards.​ Get all of the details and learn how you can become a Friend of the Library at https://www.pljcs.org/book-sales