Adult Programs

Our special programs and events are sponsored by PALS: The Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Screening & Discussion: “The Spirit of Service” from the PBS Documentary “The American Revolution”

Tuesday, February 17th, 6:00-7:30 pm
Lower Level Left Meeting Room

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation! 

The “Spirit of Service” screening reel includes selected excerpts from the PBS documentary series, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, and is designed to encourage thoughtful discussion, especially around the spirit of service in American culture.

The discussion will be led by Kristina E. Poznan, PhD, who has earned degrees in History from Vassar College and the College of William & Mary. Her specializations include the history of immigration to the United States from Central and Eastern Europe and digital history. Poznan previously taught history and public history at La Salle University and New Mexico State University. Her articles have appeared in the Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography and Hungarian Historical Review. She is currently the managing editor of the Journal of Slavery and Data Preservation (Michigan State University). 

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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Open Mic Night

Tuesday, February 17 at 6:00 pm
Upstairs Reading Room

Join us for Poetry Open Mic Night with Durham Poet Laureate Leslie Bulion! The theme this month is BABY. Bring your favorite poem or original poem to share. A sign-up sheet will be available for local poets to share one poem (max. 5 minutes), up to 14 readers. Or, just come to listen!

Registration is encouraged, and walk-ins are welcome! Come celebrate the arts in our community with an evening of poetry!

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Poetic Forms

Thursday, February 26 at 6:00-7:30 pm

Join Durham Poet Laureate Leslie Bulion for an introduction to poetic form.

No experience necessary! We’ll begin with a discussion of basic elements of poetry, then explore the music of poetic form using published examples. At the end of this session, we’ll assess material covered and interest in an additional session.

Leslie will share some of her favorite poetic form resources for participants’ information and further reading.

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Cookbook Club

Friday, February 27 at 12:00-1:30 pm

Do you enjoy discovering new recipes and sharing great food? Then come cook, eat, and connect at our Cookbook Club!

Cookbook Club is part book club, part potluck, and all about delicious fun! Each month we choose a cookbook, and everyone picks a recipe to prepare and bring for the group to sample. It’s a relaxed, tasty way to try new dishes and swap food stories.

Registration is required and space is limited – we’re unable to accommodate drop-ins.

1. Register here

2. Check out a copy of the cookbook.

3.  Go here to tell us which dish you’ll be making and bringing to Cookbook Club.

The Library will provide plates, utensils, napkins, and water – just remember to bring a serving utensil for your dish.

Have questions? Email Julie Rio @ jrio@durhamlibrary.org.

This month’s cookbook: “Martha Stewart’s Hors d’oeuvres Handbook.”
Copies of the book are available to check out.

Come hungry & ready to taste!

Word Collage Poetry Workshop: An Expressions of Healing Workshop

Saturday, February 28 at 12:00-2:30 pm

Join us in the workshop where we create a collage poem using found words to express what inspires, motivates, and supports your wellbeing. We will utilize watercolor and mixed media to reflect on what nourishes you and what you may be ready to let go of.

Connect with others, explore your creativity, and make meaningful art in a relaxed, accessible space designed to support mindful self-expression.

Lunch will be provided!

Workshop led by Janice Baker & sponsored by Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services (DMYFS).

Space is limited. Click here to register.

Durham Public Library Book Club
Meets at the library once a month on Mondays at 6:30 pm.
Click here for a list of upcoming discussions.

French Conversation Group
Meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, via Zoom. Expand your speaking skills by practicing the language in a welcoming atmosphere. Open to all levels of speakers. Email Julie at jrio@durhamlibrary.org for registration information.

Spanish Conversation Group
Meets twice a month on Fridays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, via Zoom. Expand your speaking skills by practicing the language in a welcoming atmosphere. Open to all levels of speakers. Email Julie at jrio@durhamlibrary.org for registration information.