Back-to-school season is upon us, for parents that means returning to the hustle and bustle of getting the kids to school and reviewing homework, but for the Youth Services Librarians at Neuse Regional Libraries, it is time to gear up for the return of afterschool programs. This year, the library will be bringing back some tried and true classics while also launching new programs that will quickly become your child's favorites.

Afterschool programs are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons beginning at 4:30 pm. These activities are designed to create an exciting atmosphere for school-age children to meet with their peers and learn a new skill. Each afternoon features an exciting program created with an overarching skill in mind.

Masterchef Jr is our newest program and will take place on Thursday afternoons. This program is focused on kitchen science and food literacy and will have participants experimenting in the kitchen and creating their own recipes. Participants will get to experience our new mobile kitchen and will get to practice their cooking skills while using our convection oven, induction stove, and blender.

Tuesday afternoons will see the return of our STEMology program. STEMology challenges participants to explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in a fun and creative way. Wednesday afternoons are the new home for our Study Buddies program. This program partners our school-age patrons with a teen volunteer to receive assistance with their homework or reading skills. Participants in the reading program will also get to adopt a stuffie who will serve as their reading buddy. Spaces are limited for this program and registration is required.

 We are thrilled to welcome our school-age patrons back to the library after a long summer and we hope to see you soon! For more information about the youth services programs, please contact the Library at 252-527-7066, Ext. 133