The Durham Public Library is the busy hub of the community, going beyond its mission of “Growing Knowledge and Community.” Now it is time to ask you to help fund the updating of the Library to meet changing technology and public use. This will benefit users of the Library like you, other patrons, and the public at large.

Because you value the Library and the services it provides to our community, would you please consider a gift to PALS to support these efforts? Please Make a Tax Deductible Donation to PALS Today and Help the Library Continue to Thrive! Yes! I would like to make a tax-deductible gift to PALS. Select one of the donation amounts below to make a secure online donation through PayPal (you do not need to have a PayPal account).

$500 Donation $250 Donation $100 Donation $50 Donation Other Donation

If you prefer to donate by check or money order, please forward your contribution of any amount to:  PALS, ATTN Library Renewal, P.O. Box 271, Durham, CT 06422

Our Plan

• Quiet Study: Two small study rooms and updated reading areas.
• Collaboration: Gathering space for group work, conversation, and community.
• Technology: Upgraded public computers and “bring your own device” access.
• Accessibility: Convenient, handicap-accessible access to the building and services.

Learn More

Thank you for your support!

LIBRARY HOURS: Monday thru Thursday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

MASK REQUIREMENTS: Masks are requested, but not required in the library.

Current Procedures

Meeting Rooms: Currently, only the Durham Conference Center (lower level left) is available for community use. Room capacity is limited to 30 persons. To request use of a Library meeting room, please fill out the online Meeting Room Reservation form. Meeting room availability is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation from the Library.

Social Distancing: Please maintain a 6-foot distance from other patrons while in the library. While browsing the library shelves, we ask that only one patron (or family group) be in any aisle section at a time. 

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.  

Public Computers:   Four computers will be available for patron use and spaced apart for social distancing. Computer use is first come, first served and last 60 minutes. Due to social distancing guidelines, staff are not available to directly assist patrons using the computers. 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. We also have wifi hotspots available for checkout. Click here for more info.

The following services will continue to be available:

We will continue to offer a wide array of digital resources, including books, audiobooks, music, streaming movies and television, digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, and streaming arts and crafts classes at durhamlibrary.org/digital-resources/.

We are offering a variety of programs in a mix of formats, including in-person, online using the Zoom platform, and pick-up kits. Please check our calendar for dates and registration details.

Please ask us if you have any questions. We will update everyone should the situation change. Please check the library website and follow us on social media for updates. In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe!

Christine Michaud, Library Director, and the Staff of the Durham Public Library.

Information Resources on COVID-19

Town of Durham COVID-19 Information
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Resources for Talking with Children about COVID-19

Join us for a new film discussion on Zoom! Connect with others over the shared experience of a movie. Watch the movies on Hoopla, linked below, then join us over the next few months as we explore these Oscar-winning films over the decades. This program is intended for adults as some films are Rated R. Registration required to receive the link to the zoom meeting. Please register for each discussion separately.

February 23 Moonlight (2016) 7 PM
Winner of Best Picture in 2017 Moonlight takes a frank look at the challenges of racism and homophobia, as confronted by Chiron, the young protagonist struggling to reach adulthood despite the support of immediate family. This film is rated R with mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.  Register here.

March 23 The Apartment (1960) 7 PM
Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine and Fred MacMurray are superb in this tale of love and ambition in the world of big business that went on to garner a Best Picture Oscar. Register here.
 

April 27 An American in Paris (1951) 7 PM
Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron sing and dance to the music of George and Ira Gershwin in this winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. When ex-GI Jerry Mulligan (Kelly) remains in Paris to pursue life as an artist, he is discovered by a wealthy patroness interested in more than his art. But Mulligan falls in love with a French shop girl (Caron) who is engaged to his best friend. Register here.

Have you ever wondered how we should ensure that people have the food they need? It’s a big question with many possible solutions. Join us for a community conversation on Zoom as we deliberate this topic, consider what we value most, and look for shared direction.  We won’t be reaching an agreement or seeing eye-to-eye, but we will have an opportunity to weigh the views of others and better understand the basic values that define us as human beings. Pick up a copy of the Land of Plenty Issue Guide at the library, read it, and join us for a community conversation on Zoom. Register here.

Thursday March 25 7- 8:30 PM

Ground rules for the forum:
Focus on the options
All options should be considered fairly
No one or two individuals should dominate
Maintain an open and respectful atmosphere
Everyone is encouraged to participate
Listen to others