The New Bern -Craven County Public Library has moved to a temporary location at 408 Hancock Street while their Johnson Street location is closed for renovation. The temporary location at 408 Hancock Street, also known as the “Old Fireman Museum,” will continue providing valued services and resources.

The public entrance to the library on Hancock will be through the side door.  Services provided in this temporary location will include access to laptops and workstations, a limited book collection, and knowledgeable, supportive library staff.  The Hancock location also includes an auditorium which will allow staff to continue to provide library programs such as storytimes, bookclubs, and more. 

A majority of the library’s book collection will be housed in climate controlled and secure storage.  This includes all of the rare and collectable materials of the Kellenberger Room, the well-loved history and genealogy library.

“We will be able to offer full library services there but some of our selection will need to be put into storage since it is a smaller space. We will have our most popular materials and technology services," stated Kat Clowers CPRL regional Director.

Patrons and researchers will be able to request materials in storage and have access within 24 hours. In addition, CPRL will increase availability of the CPRL Book/Tech mobile in the City of New Bern and surrounding areas.

Our goal is to continue to provide exceptional services and resources.  Clowers recognized the City of New Bern and Craven County for collaborating and implementing action to ensure access. “What was important to all concerned was that the public still have a library,” Clowers said. 

We thank the public in advance for their cooperation and understanding as we make the effort to support our users under these extenuating circumstances.