Author Archives: Christine Michaud

How well do you know Durham?

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Are you a history buff, genealogist, or just plain curious? Do you know the history of our local landmarks? Your knowledge of our town could win you a one-year membership to the Godfrey Library in Middletown, CT!

Here’s how to participate:
1. During the week of August 17 we will post a historical photo of Durham on our Instagram page each day along with a clue.
2. Think you know what it is? Email your answer to kmcnally@durhamlibrary.org. Please include the date of the post you are responding to and your answer. Each correct answer will be entered into the drawing.

The scavenger hunt runs Monday August 17 thru Saturday August 22 with photos posted Monday through Friday for a total of 5 photos. Answer one or answer five – it’s your choice! Each correct answer = one entry into the drawing.

Answers will be posted on Sunday August 23 on our Instagram page and the drawing will take place on Monday August 24. Thank you to local supporters: Charter Oak Genealogy, The Godfrey Library Middletown, CT, and the Durham CT Historical Society for helping make this program possible.

Hoopla Book Club Hub

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Join us for an online book discussion using Zoom software! We’re reading News of the World by Paulette Jiles

In the wake of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings from newspapers to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. An elderly widower who has lived through three wars and fought in two of them, the captain enjoys his rootless, solitary existence.

In Wichita Falls, he is offered a $50 gold piece to deliver a young orphan to her relatives in San Antonio. Four years earlier, a band of Kiowa raiders killed Johanna’s parents and sister; sparing the little girl, they raised her as one of their own. Recently rescued by the U.S. army, the ten-year-old has once again been torn away from the only home she knows.

Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English language, tries to escape at every opportunity, throws away her shoes, and refuses to act “civilized.” Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond that marks the difference between life and death in this treacherous land.


Download a copy of the e-book or e-audiobook immediately on Hoopla (with your Durham Library card) here.  No holds and no waiting. Registration and email address required to receive a zoom link. We will email a Zoom link to all registered participants prior to the meeting. Please register here.

Online discussion (from the comfort of your own home!) will take place on Tuesday October 20 at 7:00 PM. See you then!

Take & Make for Adults

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Looking to try a new craft or learn a new skill? We will offer a variety of crafts to make at home. Pick up a supply kit from the library and try your hand at a project this summer (while supplies last):

August 17 Zentangle
All you need to do this meditative art form is paper and a pen! Learn how to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. This relaxing, fun, and meditative art form is easy to learn and can improve focus and dexterity.

Kits available beginning August 17 at noon with all the supplies you need:
1 Micron 01 Pigma ink pen
Paper tiles measuring 3.5 x 3.5
Instructions for getting started and design

Computer Appointments

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 Patrons may make appointments to use the public computers and/or copier, printer, or fax. Four computers will be available for patron use and spaced apart for social distancing. Appointments are first come, first serve for that day and last 30 minutes. Terminals and equipment will be cleaned between uses.

Public wifi may be accessed from the parking lot or in the building. Wifi sessions inside the building are limited to 30 minutes.

Appointments can be made by calling the library at 860-349-9544 daily beginning at 10 am and we will accept appointments until filled.  Walk-in appointments will be accommodated as available.

Patrons must wear a mask while in the library.

Due to social distancing guidelines staff are not available to directly assist patrons using the computers.

Connecticut Wineries with the Nutmeg Nose

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Take a virtual ride through Connecticut’s wine country and learn about our state’s 40+ wineries. Our wine guide is Michelle Griffis, an enthusiast of Connecticut’s wineries, nicknamed by friends as “The Nutmeg Nose.”  Michelle will discuss the array of fantastic, award-winning wineries here in our state. She will also share dining options which include vineyards with on-site cafes, food trucks, and BYO picnic options. Whether you like a dry rose’, a crisp white, or a hearty red, our state offers a wine for your palette.  With beautiful scenery, daily tastings, and live music, Connecticut wineries make great destinations

Shel is an avid wine enthusiast from Rocky Hill, CT who enjoys visiting vineyards and learning about wine. She wrote for the CT Wine Trail from September 2016 until the winter of 2017. While not still writing for ctwine.com, she likes to share her experiences along the Trail and encourage others to get to know the local vineyards and wineries, as well as the people who work in them and their wine.

Wednesday June 24 7 pm. This program is a Zoom program and registration is required. You will receive an email with the Zoom link prior to the presentation. Register here.

Pick Up Holds In Library or Curbside

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Holds: Holds may be placed on materials using the online catalog or by calling the library. You will receive an email, text, or phone call when your materials are available and you may come to the library during open hours to pick them up.

Curbside Pickup: If you would prefer curbside pickup, please call the library to request it when your holds are available. We will arrange a time to pick up materials in front of the Library.  

Inter-library Deliveries: Inter-library loans are available from other libraries in the LION Consortium. Due to new materials handling processes, holds on materials from other libraries may be delayed.

What About Returns?

  • 1. Items may be returned in our book drop at any time. Returned items will be held for a minimum of 72 hours before being reshelved.
  • 2. Please do not leave returned items outside the library entrance — use the book drop.

Please call the library at (860) 349-9544 if you have questions.

Genealogy Workshops Summer 2020

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This summer we encourage you to Imagine Your Story with Bryna O’Sullivan of Charter Oak Genealogy. As part of our adult programming we will be offering a series of genealogy workshops designed to get you started researching your family tree.

Imagine Your Story: Introduction to FamilySearch
Interested in researching your family tree? FamilySearch, a free genealogy search tool developed by the Church of the Latter Day Saints is a great place to start! Learn how to access free genealogy webinars, how-to guides for local research, and original records in this workshop designed for beginners. Professional genealogist Bryna O’Sullivan will explain the information available and walk participants through how to navigate this useful website. This is a Zoom program and requires registration. An email with the link to the Zoom call will be emailed before the presentation. 
 June 10 at 7 pm. Register here.

Imagine Your Story: Using the US Census in Family Research
Looking to discover more about your family history? The Census is a valuable resource in searching your family’s history. The census, taken every 10 years since 1790, offers a wealth of information which can be overwhelming if you are new to genealogy. Professional genealogist Bryna O’Sullivan will explain the history of the Census, how to access enumeration forms to help you learn more about family, and answer any questions you have. This is a Zoom program and requires registration. An email with the link to the Zoom call will be emailed before the presentation.  
July 8 at 7 pm. Register here.

Imagine Your Story: Exploring Military Records Using Fold3
Ready to take your family search a bit deeper? Professional genealogist Bryna O’Sullivan will explain how to use the Fold3 to access and use the pension files, service records, and other resources to learn more about our Revolutionary, Civil War, and Spanish-American War ancestors. Fold3 can be accessed with a Connecticut State Library Card. To get a Connecticut State Library Card before the workshop click here. This is a Zoom program and requires registration. An email with the link to the Zoom call will be emailed before the presentation.  
July 29 at 7 pm. Register here.

Teddy Bear Picnic

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Enjoy this childhood classic from home! First, watch the video and enjoy the song!

Next, have a Teddy Bear Picnic with your own stuffed animals at home! Or put a teddy bear in your window – and see who else in your neighborhood does too. While you are out searching, make sure to drive by thee library and see our picnicking teddy bears in the children’s room window.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your teddy bear adventures with us on our Facebook Page!

Show Your Support in Our Windows!

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Hello, patrons! We miss seeing you at the library and we are looking forward to when the Durham Public Library will reopen and we can visit with you all again. In the meantime, we would like to show our support for our essential personnel.  We have great windows at the library and we would like to fill them with hearts as a big “Thank You” to all of our front line workers who have kept our community going during this time.

We are asking our patrons of all ages to make hearts to display in our windows. You can make any kind of heart you would like, any size, decorated, drawn, painted, cut out or not.  Use your imagination and sign them if you wish. Bring them to the library and drop in the collection box on the bench in front.  We will hang them in our windows as we receive them. Thanks for showing your support for our front line workers!

Stay healthy and safe,
The Durham Public Library Staff