Category Archives: Adult

Check out our new library app!

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We are thrilled to announce we now have an app for the Durham Public Library!

What’s in the app?

  • A digital version of your library card –
    • Got your phone? Then you’ve got your library card with you!
  • Access to family library cards –
    • You can attach your family members’ cards to your account, so you always have them with you!
  • Access to all of your account information –
    • See what you have checked out, what you have on hold, pay fines
  • Scroll upcoming events and register for them easily
  • Find information on how to reach and contact other LION libraries
  • And more!

To download the app, search “libraries online” in the Apple or Android app stores. You will then be prompted to select your library and enter your library card information.

Apple app store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libraries-online/id6739070221

Android app store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.capiratech.leo&hl=en_US

We’re hiring!

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We’re looking for a Part-Time Library Shelver (Page). See the details below:

Position:

  • Library Page/Shelver
  • 7.5 hours per week /$16.35 per hour

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Applicable library experience

Required Competencies:

  • Must be 16 years of age
  • Ability to read, write, and alphabetize
  • Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal system and other library filing systems
  • Familiarity with office computer applications
  • Ability to communicate effectively with staff and patrons.
  • Attention to detail

Essential Functions:

  • Returns items to shelf accurately
  • Assists with maintaining order of collection
  • Assists with creating displays
  • Assists with preparations for library programs
  • Assists with maintaining order and cleanliness of library
  • In addition to essential functions, all employees are expected to carry out other duties as assigned

To apply please complete the application form below and email to Lauren Redfield, Library Director, at lredfield@durhamlibrary.org. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25.

Durham Public Library Page ApplicationDownload

Summer Reading – For All Ages!

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PRE-K GAMEBOARDS

(ALL KIDS NOT ENTERING KINDERGARTEN IN 2025)

To register, pick up your game board at the Durham Public Library’s Summer Reading Desk or print below

To play, complete all the fun summer reading activities on it.

To get a prize, return your game board to the library for your prize. Prizes must be claimed on or before August 30th.

Pre-K Log Print- Double-sided

READ & BEAD (K-5)

To register, simply visit the library’s Summer Reading Desk and grab a Summer Read & Bead Activity Log along with your Read & Bead chain and your first brag tag. If you can’t make it to the library right away, you can print your log at home and backdate any activities with your caregiver’s approval.

Here’s how to play:

  • Read or complete any other activities listed in your log each day
  • Color in the day to mark your progress
  • There’s no timing or counting necessary; just have fun and enjoy the program
  • Bring your log to the Summer Reading Desk and collect the beads you’ve earned
  • Trade in your beads for more exciting shapes and colors

Remember, you must bring your log with you to the library to collect your beads. If you’re exchanging beads to level up, please bring them with you.

To finish the program, simply turn in your log by August 30th and receive a small surprise. And don’t forget, all beads earned are yours to keep.

Print Grades K-5 Log- (Double-sided, Flip on SHORT edge)

BINGO BOARDS (TEENS GR 6+)

Starting June 13th, stop by and grab your Teen BINGO Card.

Complete any of the activities on the board. 

Cross off what you’ve done.  Aim for three in a row. 

Return your card for a small prize and a chance at a special raffle prize. All cards must be returned by 8/30.

Finished a card? Play as many times as you’d like until 8/9.

Print Teen BINGO Card

BINGO BOARDS (ADULTS)

Pick up a Summer Reading BINGO Card and complete 5 activities in a row. Turn your card in for a chance at a bi-weekly raffle prize.

Play as many times as you’d like until 8/19.

Print Adult BINGO Card

Spanish Conversation Group

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Expand your speaking skills by practicing the language in a welcoming atmosphere. This event, hosted by fluent Spanish speaker Marilyn Horn, meets twice each month on Zoom. New participants always welcome – please email Lauren Redfield at lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for information.

Looking for more language learning resources? Check out Transparent Language, our online language learning tool.

Why Wait? Download an Ebook or Audiobook Right Now

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The Library offers a wide variety of free e-books, digital magazines and audiobooks, and streaming music and video, all available with your Durham Public Library card and many available instantly.

OverDrive/Libby
Best-selling and award-winning fiction and nonfiction books, audiobooks, and magazines. You may borrow up to 10 items at a time. Over 3,000 popular magazines are available, with no wait lists and no item limits. Use the “Available Now” filter to find currently available items.

hoopla
Always available movies, TV shows, music, books, comics, and audiobooks. You may borrow up to 4 items per calendar month.

The Palace Project
Thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks from the Connecticut State Library and Durham’s digital collections in the Palace Project app. 

Looking for a Job?

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Free Online Career Assistance

JobNow™ provides library patrons with a host of services to help in every step of the job search process.  Job coaches are available to help patrons with any and all job search-related questions.  In addition to helping beginning job seekers pinpoint their desired career field, coaches can also provide constructive suggestions on resumes, help write a professional cover letter, and give live interview practice and feedback.

The link is available 24/7/365 in the library or from your home — click here or on the JobNow! icon on the left-hand side of the Library website home page.

Looking for a job? Use the Career Resources to begin your job search. Create your resume and get expert feedback. Prepare for your interview.

Not sure how to start your job search? Use eParachute to help you discover the career of your dreams.

Writing your resume? Begin by using one of the templates or the document builder in OptimalResume. Then use our Resume Lab to send it to a job coach and receive feedback and revisions to help strengthen your resume. FREE Online Career Assistance

Prepare for your interview. Read through our tips and connect with a live job coach to get ready for your interview.

Going back to school? Want to brush up on academic skills? Select “Adult Learners” from the menu to access GED prep, US Citizenship Test prep, resume assistance, Microsoft Office support, and Career Resources. Maestros en español disponible

Homebound Delivery Service

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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.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

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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.

New Resource – AtoZ World Travel

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Planning a trip? The Durham Public Library is pleased to announce that it has recently added AtoZ World Travel to its online reference offerings. This new library resource includes 202 world city travel guides covering 67 topics each. The travel guides cover a multitude of topics that are of interest to those planning their international travel. Topics include pre-trip planning, points of interest, excursions, neighborhoods, restaurants, nightlife, as well as health and safety.

Anyone can access AtoZ World Travel using the library’s computers, and Durham patrons can access it from anywhere in the world from the library’s portal at www.durhamlibrary.org or directly at AtoZ World Travel with their library card.

AtoZ World Travel was designed for world travelers, schools and universities, global businesses, and anyone who wants to prepare for their trip abroad.