Johnston County residents have access to a surprising number of free or low-cost programs and services this October, ranging from online safety classes and health education to nutrition assistance and animal services.

Some are one-day programs, while others are resources families can use throughout the year. Here are several worth putting on the calendar — or simply keeping handy when you need them.

Cybersecurity help at the library

The Public Library of Johnston County & Smithfield is offering Cybersecurity Basics classes on October 7, 14 and 28.

The sessions focus on practical ways to protect your identity, personal information and financial accounts while using the internet. That can include recognizing suspicious online activity, being more careful with personal information and understanding some of the everyday habits that make online accounts safer.

Each Cybersecurity Basics session covers the same material, so residents only need to attend one date. Pre-registration is required.

The library is also offering a separate fraud-prevention seminar on October 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. Detective Godwin of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office will discuss how scams work and steps residents can take to avoid becoming victims.

Public-health programs throughout October

Public Health has several educational programs on its October schedule. These include a free breastfeeding class for pregnant mothers on October 13 and a Spanish-language breastfeeding class on October 15.

The department also lists Diabetes Prevention Program sessions on October 8, 15, 22 and 29. The program is aimed at helping residents learn lifestyle strategies that can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition and support for local families

Johnston County’s WIC program is another resource families may not realize is available to them.

WIC — the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children — serves eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children. The program can provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy-food benefits and connections to other healthcare and community resources.

Eligibility depends on several factors, so families who think they may qualify should contact Johnston County Public Health rather than assuming they are not eligible. For a young family, knowing where to ask for help can be just as important as knowing the program exists.

Help finding — or adopting — a pet

Animal Services provides online lost-and-found pet information for Johnston County residents. The county’s resources can help owners report or search for missing animals, and optional email alerts can make it easier to keep up with newly reported pets.

October also brings an extra opportunity for anyone considering adoption. Johnston County is waiving adoption fees for shelter animals that have been waiting 30 days or longer.

Qualifying animals are identified with a 30+ Days marker on the county’s adoptable-pet listings. Some animal-specific costs or spay/neuter requirements may still apply, so prospective adopters should confirm the details with Animal Services before making an appointment.

A good month to learn what is available

County programs are easy to overlook until the day you need one. A technology class may help someone avoid an online scam. A nutrition program may give a young family extra support. A public-health class may answer questions that someone has been hesitant to ask. And a shelter program may connect a waiting animal with a new home.

Dates, registration requirements and program details can change, so residents should check the appropriate Johnston County department or library page before attending.

The larger point is simple: some of Johnston County’s most useful community resources are already here — and many are available at little or no cost.