From the desk of the County Manager,

Durham’s library system is truly a jewel of the County. Many of you are familiar with the new Main Library downtown, and if you’ve been following Durham County news lately, you know about how the Stanford L. Warren Branch Library reopened in December following extensive renovations. In addition to those locations, there are five other libraries spread throughout the County. From computer classes for seniors to world-class author talks, our library system has a little bit of something for everyone.

One program that happens every year that encapsulates that mission to serve everyone -- and always gets me excited as a mother of a teenager - is Summer Reading. You might think Summer Reading is just for kids, but our library staff has activities for Durhamites of all ages! Just like all Durham County Library programs, Summer Reading programs and resources are free of charge.

This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Color Our World,” which celebrates the many ways art enriches our lives. Much like the library itself, art brings people together, encourages dialogue, reflects diverse experiences, and inspires creativity and self-expression. I cordially invite you to attend a storytime,  performance, workshop or participate in an arts and crafts activity at the library this summer.  I hope you’ll make library time a regular part of your summer routine!

And Summer Reading is a perfect time to start that routine. Between Saturday, June 14 and Saturday, August 2, there will be dozens of events in our libraries and throughout the community to celebrate Summer Reading. And just as traditional school calendar kids and college students are getting out of class for summer break, the party’s just getting started with kickoff events happening next week! See below for details, and take a look at the library’s events calendar for the full list:

Summer Reading Kickoff Splash Party
Thursday, June 12, 2 - 4:30 p.m.
South Regional Library
Registration Required

Rainbow-Themed Teen Lock-In
Friday, June 13, 6:15 - 9 p.m. 
Southwest Regional Library
Registration Not Required

Main Library Kickoff Event
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Main Library
Registration Not Required

North Regional Library Kickoff Event
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - Noon
North Regional Library
Registration Not Required

East Regional Library Kickoff Event
Saturday, June 14, 11 - 1 p.m. 
East Regional Library
Registration Required

After-Hours Adults-Only Kickoff Event
Saturday, June 14, 6:30 - 10 p.m. 
Main Library
Registration Required

Southwest Regional Library Kickoff Event
Monday, June 16, 3 - 5 p.m. 
Southwest Regional Library
Registration Not Required

Stanford L. Warren Branch Library Kickoff
Wednesday, June 18, 4 - 6 p.m. 
Stanford L. Warren Branch Library
Registration Not Required

Be sure to stop by any library location between June 14 and August 2 to pick up a paper reading log to get started! For every 10 minutes that you read, have someone read to you, or listen to an audiobook, you’ll fill out a spot on your reading log. While supplies last, there will be signup and completion prizes thanks to the support of the Durham Library Foundation and the Friends of the Durham Library. You can submit as many reading logs as you like, and each log you submit is an entry to the raffle for a grand prize!

While you don’t need a library card to participate in Summer Reading, I strongly recommend that you sign up for one when you’re picking up your reading log. Your library card is a gateway to the world, giving you free access to millions of books, periodicals, movies, archival documents, and other resources both in print and online. The best part is, it’s all free.

See you at the library!

Claudia Hager | County Manager