Thanks to our amazing and generous community, we have achieved our $100,000 fundraising goal for the Library Renewal Project!  

Heartfelt thanks go out to the PeachPit Foundation, to the Cumello, Eames, Howe, and Mueller families, and to our incredible community of businesses and individuals who stepped up to support this project. We could not have done this without each and every one of you. 

With the matching funds in place, the Connecticut State Bond Commission gave final approval this week to a $147,000 grant to complete this project. We would like to thank Laura Francis and all of the town and state officials who worked with us to make this happen.

Our new Head of Youth Services will be a familiar face: Alex Klaus, Head of Youth Services at the Durham Public Library from 2016-2019 is rejoining our staff. Most recently, Alex was Head of Youth Services at the Plainville Public Library.

Alex will be primarily responsible for collection development, programming, and outreach for children and families.

Please join us in welcoming Alex to her new role!

Due to increasing COVID cases in Connecticut and new guidance from the CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health, all patrons aged 2 and over are required to wear a mask while in the library. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you are unable to wear a mask, please call for curbside pickup.

Do you want to understand and take action on the social, economic and political issues we face today? If so, please join the Durham Public Library and the Middlefield-Durham Racial Justice Team for a film discussion facilitated by the Middlefield-Durham Racial Justice Team.

On July 29, Join us to watch and discuss “A Conversation with the Police,” episode 9 of Emmanel Acho’s web series “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” Emmanuel sits down with police officers from the Petaluma Police Department in Petaluma, CA. They discuss polarizing topics like defunding the police, Black Lives Matter, and accountability in the police force surrounding the tragic deaths of black civilians.

Emmnual Acho is a retired NFL player and current television sports analyst who created the “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” web series to answer challenging questions about race that white people are afraid to ask.

Discussion will take place via Zoom. This program is open to all and registration is required. A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to registered participants no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Click here to register.

Stop by the library starting Monday, July 12 and pick up supplies and directions to make some summery citrus coasters!

No registration required; while supplies last.

National Play Outside Day is Saturday, July 3rd! To celebrate, kids and teens can stop by the circulation desk at the library any time between July 1 and July 3 to pick up a kite!

No registration required. While supplies last.

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