If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to Alex Klaus at aklaus@durhamlibrary.org or call us at 860-349-9544
Special Storytimes & Author Events
Book Launch: Present Still Missing with Kimberly Mach
Book Launch: Present Still Missing with Kimberly Mach
Join us for an evening with local author Kimberly Mach as she celebrates the launch of her new book, Present Still Missing. Hear about the inspiration behind the story, get a peek into her writing process, and play games with WWII trivia. A Q&A session and book signing will follow.
Overview
After three long years of war, twelve-year-old Irene can’t wait for life to return to normal when her father finally comes home. But the playful daddy who once played tic-tac-toe in church and encouraged her to wear pants if she “blanged-well wanted to” seems lost in the shadows of his wartime experiences. As his nightmares, outbursts, and deep sadness grow worse instead of better, Irene realizes she may be losing her father all over again – this time to the echoes of war that refuse to fade.
In this poignant post-WWII story, one determined girl must find the courage and strength to help her father heal from the invisible wounds of war before it’s too late. Present, Still Missing explores the lasting impact of war on families and reminds us that sometimes the bravest battles are fought on the home front.
Magnificent Nick & His Canine Companions Story Time, local author, Kelly Ranalli.
Learn how Magnificent Nick’s Canine Companions help him when he isn’t feeling so magnificent.
Join local author, Kelly Ranalli, for a book signing and craft as she shares Magnificent Nick’s story.
Ages 4-6 with an adult, siblings welcome. Registration encouraged.
JOIN US FOR HEALTHCARE HEROES STORYTIME
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- For children aged 3 to 10
- A Middlesex Health healthcare hero will read a story featuring a healthcare provider of color
- Youth in attendance get to play surgeon for a day through an interactive activity
- Youth in attendance receive a free book that features diverse healthcare characters
Durham Public Library is proud to partner with the Greater Middletown for Equity in Medical Career Opportunities Coalition (GMEMCO) to host this story time.
GMEMCO’s mission is to create equitable opportunities for youth of color to pursue medical careers through exposure, education, inspiration, and support.
For more information about GMEMCO and how you can be involved, contact Amber Kapoor at 860-358-2023 or Barbara Wade Holloman at 203-886-5802.
This program is funded in part through a grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
Drop-in Programs & Passive Programs
Parties
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Party Pooper Party
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Celebrate the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Party Pooper with us at the library! Join us on Tuesday, October 21, from 5–7 PM for crafts, games, and snacks—all Wimpy Kid–themed. Everyone who attends will also have the chance to win a copy of the brand-new book. Don’t miss this fun party for fans of Greg Heffley and friends! Registration Required, space and supplies limited.
Dog Man 14: Big Jim Believes Party
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Celebrate the release of the newest Dog Man book at the library! Join us on Wednesday, November 12, from 5–7 PM for an evening of Dog Man fun, including a themed craft, snack, obstacle course, and photo standee. Attendees will have a chance to win a copy of Dog Man: Big Jim Believes!
Grades K-5+
Nutmeg Nights: A Book Club for Grades 3-6
Mondays: 10/06, 11/03, 12/01, 1/05, 2/02, 3/02.
6:15 PM
Join Miss Alex on one Monday a month, starting 10/06 at 6:15 pm, for Nutmeg Nights! In this club, we will read a selection of the 2026 Intermediate Nutmeg book Nominees. Club members will then participate in a group discussion and engage in a fun activity, craft, or game related to the book they’ve just read.
October:
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega
November:
The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley
December:
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate
January:
Speak Up! by Rebecca Burgess
February:
Grounded by Aisha Saeed
March:
Reader’s Choice
Crazy 8’s Math Club: Grades K-2 ONLY
Thursdays at 6 pm
10/16, 10/23, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18.
Join Miss Alex for a Multi-Week Math Club of Fun & Games – Spaces Limited, Registration Required. For kids of all abilities. This Math Club is open to all kids in grades K through 2 ONLY.
Registration is required; you are registering for all meetings.
Registrations open at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24th 2025
Election Day LEGO Robotics
Tuesday, 11/4
11 AM Gr.1-2, 1 PM Gr. 3-5, 3 PM Gr.1-5.
Join us on Election Day, November 5, 2025, for LEGO Robotics. This event is for kids in Grades 1-2 and 3-5. As voters cast their ballots, our young engineers will be constructing and programming simple robots using LEGO Spike Essential Robotics kits. This hands-on experience fosters STEM skills and teamwork.
Schedule
Registration is required and opens 2 weeks (10/21) before each session unless otherwise noted. Register online using the library’s calendar. Space is limited to 10-12 participants per session, so sign up early to ensure your spot.
Spooky Specials
Preschool Halloween Parade Party
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join us on Tuesday, October 28, at 10:00 AM for a spooktacular preschool party! Enjoy Halloween stories, songs, and a fun craft, then show off your costume in a short indoor parade. Perfect for little ones and their families. Registration encouraged, not required.
Haunted Gingerbread Houses
Thursday 10/30
6 PM
Decorate a haunted gingerbread house this evening. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required; register online using the library’s calendar starting 10/16/25. Open to families with children 3 & up. Teens welcome.
Register starting 10/16 at 6pm
Toddlers & Preschoolers
All Ages Storytime & Playgroup In-Person
Tuesdays at 9:30 am
Children of all ages with an adult are welcome to join Miss Alex on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM starting October 7th for stories, songs, and a playgroup to follow.
NO storytime on 10/21 & 10/28 (on 10/28, please join us for a Halloween Costume Parade at the same time) last storytime on 11/18
Registration is encouraged, so we can connect in the event of delay or cancellation due to weather or illness, but NOT required.
Preschool Halloween Parade Party
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join us on Tuesday, October 28, at 10:00 AM for a spooktacular preschool party! Enjoy Halloween stories, songs, and a fun craft, then show off your costume in a short indoor parade. Perfect for little ones and their families. Registration encouraged, not required.
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