Fall 2023

If you have any questions or comments please reach out to Alex Klaus at aklaus@durhamlibrary.org or call us at 860-349-9544



Farmers Market Storytime

Join Miss Alex every other Thursday on the Town Green or at the Community Center (if it rains) for an all-ages storytime.

No registration is required, just swing by.

Every other Thursday at 5 pm

Meets: 9/7, 9/28, 10/12.


Percy Jackson & Mythical Creatures Scavenger Hunt 

All September

Find all the Percy Jackson & Mythical Creature pictures hidden in the  Children’s Department and turn in your sheet at the front desk for a small reward. For all ages, drop-in, runs for the entire month. Play as many times as you like.



Percy Jackson- Chalice of the Gods: Release Party

Tuesday, September 26th starting at 6 pm

Calling all Percy Jackson fans! The first full-length novel in over ten years to be told from Percy’s point of view, and the first since 2005 to feature the classic trio, Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, will be released on September 26, 2023. Come to the release party to celebrate nearly 20 years of the Half-Bloods world. There will be refreshments, games, crafts,  and we will watch the trailer for the new Disney+ series to release in 2024, then discuss it with fans and friends alike. Compete for a chance to win a copy of Chalice of the Gods. Grades 3 and up are welcome. Registration is encouraged, but not required.


All Ages Storytime + Playgroup

Tuesdays 9:30 AM

Meets: 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 11/28, 12/5.

Children of all ages with an adult are welcome to join Miss Alex on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in October & November for a storytime and playgroup to follow.

Registration is encouraged but NOT required.


Nutmeg Nights: A Book Club for Grades 3-6

Mondays: 10/02, 11/06, 1/08, 2/05, 3/04, 4/01 at 6:15pm

Join Miss Alex one Monday a month starting 10/02 at 6:15 pm for Nutmeg Nights! In this club, we will read a selection of the 2024 Intermediate Nutmeg book Nominees. Club members will then have a group discussion and do a fun activity, craft, or game relating to the book we’ve just read.

Our first book will be Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse  Stop by the front desk to pick up your copy starting 9/11. Register online by using the library’s calendar. 

10/2 – Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse

11/6 – The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

1/8 – Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson & Robbi Behr

2/5 – Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer

3/4  – Leonard (My Life as aCat) by Carlie Sorosiak

4/1 – Get a Grip Vivy Cohen! by Sarah Kapit 


Halloween Scavenger Hunt

All October

Find all the Halloween pictures hidden in the  Children’s Department and turn in your sheet at the front desk for a small reward. For all ages, drop-in runs for the entire month. Play as many times as you like.


Drop-in Craft: Perfect Pumpkin

Monday 10/02- Tuesday 10/31

Open to Close

Drop- into the Children’s Department to make a pumpkin craft. Then take your creation home OR leave it to be displayed in the library all month.  All ages with an adult. Supplies are limited, first come first serve.


Crazy 8’s Math Club

Grades K-2 meets at 4:30 PM

Grades 3-5 meets at 6:00 PM

10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30

Join Miss Alex for some fun, high-energy math activities for kids of all abilities. Activities include Bouncy Dice Explosion and Spy training. This Math Club is open to all kids in grades K through 2 and grades 3 through 5. Registration is required for this multi-week program. Registration will open on 9/14. Register online using the library’s calendar or call the library at 860-349-9544.


Wand Making 

Monday  5:30 & 6:30pm

10/16

Need a Witch or Wizard’s wand for your Halloween costume? Just want to make a magic wand? Join us to create your own personal wand. Registration required. Limit 15 each session. Registration opens 10/2.  Meets at 5:30PM for grades 3-5 and at 6:30PM for Teens grades 6+.


Haunted Gingerbread Houses 

Monday 6 PM

10/30

Decorate a haunted gingerbread house this evening. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required, register online using the library’s calendar starting 10/2/23. Open to families with children 3 & up. Teens welcome. 


Preschool Halloween Party

Tuesday 10/31

9:30 am

Preschoolers( and younger siblings!) in costume can join us at the library for Halloween-themed stories, songs, dancing, and a costume parade! Registration is encouraged, not required.


Drop-in Thanksgiving Craft

11/20, 11/21, 11/22, 11/24,11/25 ( library closed 11/23)

Open to close

Visit the Children’s Area this week to make a Thanksgiving craft. All supplies provided. Supplies limited. First come, first serve. All ages with an adult.


Visit with Santa & Town Tree Lighting 

Saturday 12/2

2-4pm

Visit with Santa from 2:00-3:30 PM in the Children’s Department, do some crafts, and have a small snack!  Then at 4PM head over to the Town Green for the Tree Lighting.


LEGO Robotics Grades1-2 

Wednesdays 4:00 pm for Grades 1-2

Wednesdays 5:30 pm for Grades 3-5

11/29,12/6,12/13,12/20.

Wednesdays in December ( and one in November)  kids in Grades 1-2 and 3-5 can build and program a simple robot using LEGO Spike Essential Robotics kits. Registration required. Registration opens 2 weeks before each session unless otherwise noted. Register online using the library’s calendar. Limit 10 per session.

11/29 Grades 1-2 Class

(registration opens 11/15)

12/6 Grades 1-2 Class

(registration opens 11/22)

12/13 Grades 1-2 Class

(registration opens 11/29)

12/20 Grades 1-2 Class

(registration opens 12/06)

11/29 Grades 3-5 Class

(registration opens 11/15)

12/06 Grades 3-5 Class

(registration opens 11/22)

12/13 Grades 3-5 Class

(registration opens 11/29)

12/20 Grades 3-5 Class

(registration opens 12/06)


Transparent Language- with KidSpeak

We are excited to announce that we now offer Transparent Language Online free to all Durham Public Library card holders. Whether you’re starting at the very beginning with a new alphabet or you’re an intermediate learner looking to enhance your vocabulary and grammar knowledge, Transparent Language Online can help. Available for learning 110+ languages, plus English (ESL) materials for native speakers of 30+ languages, the program has something for everyone. This resource is funded by PALS: The Friends of the Durham Public Library.

Click Here to Get Started

Be sure to look for Kidspeak. With KidSpeak young learners explore a new language with their cartoon “friend” and his or her pet. They’ll broaden their horizons as they work their way through fun and engaging activities with KidSpeak. This feature is available for Chines, German, French, Spanish and Italian.