Monday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m.

Join us for an engaging and educational exploration into the mysterious world of cryptids and cryptozoology! This program kicks off with an informative presentation that delves into the fascinating realm of cryptids—creatures from folklore and legend—and the science of cryptozoology. We’ll also touch on some intriguing historical tidbits.

Next, author Patrick Scalisi will dive into a captivating reading from his book, Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird and Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State. Whether featuring local legends like the Higganum Mucket from Haddam or other intriguing stories, this segment will bring these enigmatic creatures to life.

The event wraps up with a lively Q&A session, where you can delve deeper into the world of cryptids and cryptozoology. Plus, there will be an opportunity to purchase books and art prints by the book’s illustrator, Valerie Ruby-Omen.

This program is open to all ages, though we recommend parental guidance due to the discussion of “monsters.” 

Click Here to Register

Homebound Delivery Service

The Durham Public Library provides books and other materials for residents of Durham who are physically unable to visit the library because of a temporary or permanent disability.

How to apply: Applicants should complete the Durham Public Library Homebound Delivery Application and a reading interest form. Click here to complete the form online or call us at (860) 349-9544, ext. 5 to request a physical form.

How is delivery arranged?  Materials will be delivered by a library representative on a schedule convenient for the library, but no more than once per month. When we receive your enrollment form, we will contact you to discuss delivery.

What are the borrowing guidelines? Any circulating item may be borrowed by our homebound patrons, with a limit of 25 items per delivery. There is no fee for the delivery service and overdue fees will not be charged. The Library’s standard fee schedule shall apply for damaged or lost items.

For more information: Please contact Christine Michaud at (860) 349-9544, ext. 5 or cmichaud@durhamlibrary.org if you have questions about this service.

Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Selling online, whether it’s decluttering your house or starting an online business, is a great way to make money, whether it’s a side hustle or a full-time income.  Knowing the different platforms, how to list, price and ship items is key to success.

In this 90-minute class, we will examine the ins and outs of all the major platforms (namely eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist), discuss what is the best site to sell certain items, and learn to avoid the pitfalls that are part of the process. Knowing how to create compelling photos and descriptions for your items is key. A portion of the class will be dedicated to answering questions, so please bring any questions you may have!

Instructor bio:

Chris Capelle is a technology expert, writer and instructor. For over 25 years, he has worked in the publishing, advertising and consumer products industries. In addition to teaching adult ed, he contributes articles to several tech websites, including reviews of communications technologies, instruction guides and general business content. He is currently a freelance tech consultant, based in Wilton, CT.

Click here to register

Introduction to eBooks and eAudiobooks

Thursday Sept. 19 at 2:00 p.m.

New to eBooks and eAudiobooks? Love them, but want to learn more about how to access them for free? Join us for a program all about eBooks and eAudiobooks and how to access them for free from the library through Hoopla, Libby and OverDrive!

Bring your tablet, Kindle, iPad or similar device and we’ll make sure you’re set up before you go home!

Click here to register.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

In order to expand Internet access to Durham residents, the Library has established a Wi-Fi hotspot lending program. The hotspots are provided by T-Mobile and funded by a gift from Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and PALS: The Friends of the Durham Public Library.

No internet at home? Borrow ours for: school projects and papers, job searching online, and connecting your tablet or laptop.

On a long car trip? Have the kids in the backseat streaming movies, music or other online content.

On Vacation? Road trip, camping, or grandmas house with no internet? Bring it with you!

Loans and Holds

Hotspots are available to Durham Public Library card holders ages 18 and up with fines of less than $10.00. Patrons must present their valid Durham Public Library card at the time of checkout.

Checkouts are limited to one hotspot per household at any given time. Hotspots may be checked out for one week and cannot be renewed.

Hotspots may be reserved by placing a hold online or by calling the library. Devices will be held for two days. If the device is not picked up by the end of the second day, the hold will be cancelled and the device will move to the next person in line.

At the time of checkout, patrons must sign a Hotspot Use Agreement, acknowledging the Library’s Hotspot Use Policy.

The Library reserves the right to refuse lending to patrons who abuse equipment or who repeatedly return Hotspots late.

Hotspots must be picked up and returned at the Durham Public Library circulation desk. Hotspots must never be returned to another library or placed in the book drops.

Hotspot Use

Patrons are responsible for the proper care and use of the Wi-Fi hotspot. We recommend that patrons have a basic working knowledge of the device on checkout. If you encounter any technical problems, contact Library Director Christine Michaud at cmichaud@durhamlibrary.org or 860-349-9544, ext. 5.

The Library is not responsible for any liability, damages, or expense resulting from use or misuse of the hotspot and its connection to other electronic devices, or data loss resulting from use of the Hotspot. Any use of the device for illegal purposes, unauthorized copying of copyright-protected material in any format, or transmission of threatening, harassing, defamatory or obscene materials is strictly prohibited.

Wi-Fi service will be turned off if the hotspot is more than two days overdue, rendering the device unusable.

Loss or Damage

Overdue fines of $5 per day, to a maximum of $20, will be charged for late hotspots.

Hotspots that are two weeks or more overdue are considered lost. Patrons will be charged a $100.00 replacement fee if the hotspot is lost or damaged.

Patrons will be charged a replacement fee not to exceed $20 if a charging block or case is lost or damaged.

Friday, September 20 at noon

Do you enjoy cooking and love good food? If so, join our new Cookbook Club! This is a combination of a book club and a potluck lunch. Each month, we will choose a cookbook (or a small selection of related cookbooks) which each of the participants will select a recipe and prepare it for the group to taste. We are looking to hold nice discussions and enjoy good food and company! If you are a food enthusiast, please register early as the number of participants is limited.

Copies of the book are available for registered participants at the Circulation Desk. In order to facilitate a range of courses, you will be assigned to prepare either an entree, an appetizer or side, or dessert. Plates, utensils and water will be provided; please bring serving utensils for your dish.

September’s cookbook is: Jacques Pépin Cooking My Way: Recipes and Techniques for Economical Cooking by Jacques Pepin. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER