Scene at the Library

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.

Community Conversation: Land of Plenty

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

Magazines Available in Overdrive/Libby

The Durham Public Library has an extensive collection of digital magazines available through the Libby app.

A sampling of digital magazines available include: The Economist, National Geographic, Bon Appetit, Country Living, Runner’s World, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and over 3,000 more. Click here for a full list.

Digital magazines have no wait lists or holds, do not count towards checkout limits and provide readers the option to renew their selections. Library name patrons can also download magazines to Libby for offline use. Readers can browse lists of magazines within the app and search by format to find available titles.

Named one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the Decade, Libby seamlessly connects first-time users and experienced readers with Library name’s digital collection. This locally selected collection offers ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines including bestsellers and new releases. Readers of all ages can select from virtually every subject ranging from mystery, romance, children’s, business and more.

New to digital?

In just a few taps, you can start reading instantly on your phone or tablet. The digital library is available 24/7 without leaving home and is free from our library. Download the Libby app to get started or click here for more info.

Fast Track to Time Management

Are you finding yourself with more and more tasks to do, yet there’s never enough time to get everything done? Are you stumped about how to accommodate kids, spouse, and yourself, learning and working virtually from home at the same time, or in limited space? For 40 years, Ronni Eisenberg has helped others get organized and now she can help you! Join us for this Zoom workshop and take control of your time and space.

Thursday January 21 at 7 PM

Please register to receive the Zoom link prior to our meeting. 

House History with Bryna O’Sullivan: Part 2 – Nov. 19

This two part series will help you learn the history of a house in CT. Bryna O’Sullivan will share her expertise for doing research.

House History: Who’s Lived in Your House? (Part II)
Identify the homeowners and learn the history of your house! Using the census, local history, newspapers, photographs, maps, and architectural surveys to trace the  story behind the people who once lived in your home.  Bryna O’Sullivan will walk us through using these resources.
November 19 7 PM
Please register here. This program will take place over Zoom and a link will be sent prior to the meeting.

A Vote of Her Own

How did the women of CT work for – or against – the right to vote? Join us as we explore the fight for women’s suffrage in Connecticut. We will look at photos, letters, and pamphlets from the CT Historical Society’s collection to understand one of the most hard-fought political battles of American History.

November 9 at 7 PM. This meeting will take place over Zoom. A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent prior to the event.

Registration required. Please register here.

This program is made possible the P.A.L.S.

Understanding Your Aura

Seats available! Are you curious what an aura is and how it might affect you? An aura is a distinctive quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person.  Paranormal author and Aura Consultant, Sydney Sherman, has been studying auras for many years and will share everything you need to know to understand your own aura, from color to personality trait and how it can impact your life. Join us for a special zoom presentation! Registration required and a zoom link will be sent to you before our program.
Please register here!

Event will take place over Zoom on Tuesday September 22 7-9 pm. 

Computer Appointments

 Patrons may make appointments to use the public computers and/or copier, printer, or fax. Four computers will be available for patron use and spaced apart for social distancing. Appointments are first come, first serve for that day and last 30 minutes. 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.

Appointments can be made by calling the library at 860-349-9544 daily beginning at 10 am and we will accept appointments until filled.  Walk-in appointments will be accommodated as available.

Patrons must wear a mask while in the library.

Due to social distancing guidelines staff are not available to directly assist patrons using the computers.

Connecticut Wineries with the Nutmeg Nose


Take a virtual ride through Connecticut’s wine country and learn about our state’s 40+ wineries. Our wine guide is Michelle Griffis, an enthusiast of Connecticut’s wineries, nicknamed by friends as “The Nutmeg Nose.”  Michelle will discuss the array of fantastic, award-winning wineries here in our state. She will also share dining options which include vineyards with on-site cafes, food trucks, and BYO picnic options. Whether you like a dry rose’, a crisp white, or a hearty red, our state offers a wine for your palette.  With beautiful scenery, daily tastings, and live music, Connecticut wineries make great destinations

Shel is an avid wine enthusiast from Rocky Hill, CT who enjoys visiting vineyards and learning about wine. She wrote for the CT Wine Trail from September 2016 until the winter of 2017. While not still writing for ctwine.com, she likes to share her experiences along the Trail and encourage others to get to know the local vineyards and wineries, as well as the people who work in them and their wine.

Wednesday June 24 7 pm. This program is a Zoom program and registration is required. You will receive an email with the Zoom link prior to the presentation. Register here.

Pick Up Holds In Library or Curbside

Holds: Holds may be placed on materials using the online catalog or by calling the library. You will receive an email, text, or phone call when your materials are available and you may come to the library during open hours to pick them up.

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.  

Inter-library Deliveries: Inter-library loans are available from other libraries in the LION Consortium. Due to new materials handling processes, holds on materials from other libraries may be delayed.

What About Returns?

  • 1. Items may be returned in our book drop at any time. Returned items will be held for a minimum of 72 hours before being reshelved.
  • 2. Please do not leave returned items outside the library entrance — use the book drop.

Please call the library at (860) 349-9544 if you have questions.