Library life @bcpl Jan 2023

“Here's to a bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.”

A word from our Director Bladen County Public Library has had a busy and productive year. I am so proud of the changes we have made to our library spaces, and I am super excited about the improvements that are being planned! Our goal is to keep things fresh and relevant to our patrons, and I feel that we have shown that we genuinely care for and wish to serve our community to the best of our ability. From our receipt of the Bright Ideas grant and all that it allowed us to add to our children’s sections, to our in-house bookcirculation, computer use, notary services, and programming for all ages -- to our outreach services which include Homebound, Bizzy Bus and Book Mobile! I could write a book bragging on my staff and their amazing efforts! We are able to serve patrons in our libraries, in neighboring schools and daycares, and out in the community. It is mind-blowing to watch it all come together! I have to say, it is literally a blessing to lead such a stellar team, and I am on the edge of my seat in excitement about what 2023 is going to bring. -Sheila Nance

Bladen County Public Library Staff

A huge thank-you to our library helper's and volunteers! We are so appreciative of all that you do for us & the library. We couldn't do it without you!

Charlie Routh

Lena Trinidad Mr. Gary

A big thank-you & Congratulations to volunteer Kristen Kelly who has been helping out on various projects while in school to complete her Master's in Library Science! Kristen has been a tremendous help to staff, pitching in with Bookmobile, Storytime and other projects. Thanks so much Kristen! Your future is bright!

Highlights from our annual Christmas programs! The theme this year was "Milk & Cookies with Santa" In addition to Storytime, children decorated their own Christmas cookies & each child took home a book.



Santa made a special visit to all 3 branches of Bladen Co. Library this year to talk with boys & girls!

Our Jan. selection will be "The Personal Librarian" by Marie Benedict

It's that time again!! Lumber River United Way, including Bladen, Hoke, and Robeson Counties, will be providing a new VITA (Volunteer Tax Assistance) Program in the new year to qualified residents. VITA prepares and e-files income tax returns for people with low/moderate incomes, disabilities, are elders, or in the military. VITA will be on-site at Bladen County Public Library, 111 N Cypress St. Elizabethtown on the following dates : February 9, 13, and 22 10:00 am - 3:00 pm March 8th & 21st 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm April 4th (only for tax return signing) 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Participants will need to bring in their documents for uploading so that a volunteer can prepare their return. Patrons will then return to have their return reviewed prior to efiling.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grant program is an Internal Revenue Service initiative in the United States that supports free tax preparation service for the underserved through various partner organizations.