From the Desk of the County Manager, April 17, 2026

Greetings Durham!

Next week, Durham County will host Library Fest 2026 Festival De La Biblioteca, in celebration of National Library Week. The series of free programs and activities, held April 20–24, is themed “Stories that Built U.S.” and includes 40 events for all ages. The festival opens with Paperhand Puppet Project’s “A World of Wonder!” and features a keynote program, “Driving the Green Book” with Alvin Hall -- an internationally renowned financial educator, broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author. I invite you to explore the full schedule of exciting programming schedule and be part of these celebrations that connect our community through shared stories and experiences.

2026 Library Fest and National Library Week

Part of what makes Library Fest and National Library Week so special is the way they bring our community together to celebrate the joy libraries offer -- through books, classes, programs and conversations. This year’s Library Fest commemorates America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and honors the vibrant histories, cultures, and people that shape our nation. These stories are written, passed down and preserved through books that take us on journeys of exploration and broaden our capacity to learn, appreciate and treasure what makes the United States a place we celebrate and call home.

I often think about the books and library spaces that have shaped my own life. While I’m partial to biographies, nonfiction and mysteries, books allow me to explore people, places and ideas that spark my curiosity. Many of us know the feeling of eagerly opening a long‑awaited novel, ready to discover what’s tucked between its pages.

Explore Durham County’s Eight Libraries

Each of our eight exceptional branches is a community space where talented librarians and skilled staff graciously welcome residents. Through extensive book collections, innovative programming for children and adults and comprehensive services, our libraries serve as welcoming environments across Durham -- nestled in historic neighborhoods like Hayti and Bragtown, anchoring North and South Durham and offering vibrant spaces for exploration in downtown. From devoted book lovers to eager learners, from families seeking shared experiences to anyone craving a moment of calm in a busy day, our libraries offer a little piece of joy for everyone.

Early this year, Dana Conners joined Durham County Government as Library Director. She states, “Library Fest and National Library Week are among my favorite times of the year because they shine a spotlight on the incredible work Library staff do every single day to support, inspire and connect our community. We’re thrilled to showcase ‘The Stories that Built U.S.’ – a theme that reflects not only our shared history, but also the diverse experiences and voices that make Durham such a vibrant place to live. Library Fest is free, open to everyone, and happening across all our locations and many community partner sites. We invite all Durham County residents to join us in celebrating the many ways the Library is part of your life. Additionally, we are especially pleased to share that the Durham Library Foundation has awarded us a one-time gift of $117,000, which will allow us to enhance and expand the library’s services and programs in the year ahead.”

The Durham County Commissioners and I recognized and congratulated the Foundation on this generous gift at the Board of County Commissioners Regular Session on April 13, 2026, -- a donation that will help ensure our libraries remain places of possibility and gateways to new learning and joy.

Until next week,

Claudia Hager

Durham County Manager