Category Archives: Children

Special Storytimes & Author Events

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Events for Readers of all ages.

Adults!

Durham Resident & Author Andrea Steele – SAVED: Equine Rescues of CT

Tuesday 9/16 at 6pm

Durham resident and author Andrea Steele and Cromwell resident and photographer Sarah Grote will talk about their book, “SAVED: Equine Rescues of Connecticut.”

Horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules endure shocking forms of abuse and neglect at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them and keep them safe. As seasoned horsewomen, Andrea and Sarah bring awareness to how equines come to be at risk, and introduce you to the CT people who work tirelessly to rebuild the lives of these animals. They will also talk about specific ways we can join together to stop the neglect and abuse.

Copies of the book will be available to purchase and all proceeds will benefit the 9 CT rescue organizations featured in the book.

Register Here

Middle Grades!

Book Launch: Present Still Missing with Kimberly Mach

Wednesday 9/17 at 6pm

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.

Read the Kirkus review of Present Still Missing.

Register Here

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.

Families with young children!

Storytime at the Durham Fair

Friday, September 26, 2025, starting at 10 am.

The Discovery Center at the Durham Fair


Join Miss Alex from Durham Public Library for a fun outdoor-themed storytime at The Discovery Center. We’ll read books about the great outdoors, hiking, wildlife, and insects. Let’s celebrate nature through stories and songs. Perfect for families and young explorers.

Stop by and say hi!

Preschool & up!

JOIN US FOR HEALTHCARE HEROES STORYTIME

Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

  • For children age 3 to age 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
Register Here

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.

School-aged children!

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. 

Register Here

PALS Tea Party!

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Join PALS for an afternoon filled with delightful conversation, scrumptious treats, and garden-themed activities. Your support helps us continue providing valuable resources and programs for our community!

Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Prior reservation required. Space is limited

$30 per adult (12+)
$20 per child (under 12)

Reserve your tickets here!

Learn more about PALS here.

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

New Kids Database: Educate Station

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Full Curriculum For Grades K-5 .

Explore this resource here:

Educate Station

Weekly / Monthly Learning Plans & Worksheets in;
• ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
• MATH
• SCIENCE
• SOCIAL STUDIES
• SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)

Great for homeschooling families, extra practice for kids and parents , and substitute teacher lesson plans.

Free access to lesson plans and printable worksheets inside the library ( no card or account needed) and with your Durham library card from home.

Kids Tag Sale

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Saturday 7/15 at 10 AM. Rain Date 7/29

Set up 9 AM-10 AM * Sale 10 AM-12 PM

A sale where only kids can sell, but anyone can buy! 

We are looking for sellers ages 5-18 (12 & under with a parent).

Registration for sellers opens on June 19th. Register online using the library’s calendar or call the library at 860-749-9544