In many ways, our libraries are the bedrock of our community. Early literacy programming, hundreds of thousands of books, and entertaining events are just a handful of the resources and services our library team members provide for Durham. I am excited, therefore, to announce that our Main Library location, located at 300 N. Roxboro Street, has reopened for Sunday hours!

Accompanying Main Library’s new 1-6 p.m. Sunday hours, is a modification of the Bragtown Branch Library’s Monday hours, which are now 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. These increases in services both respond to community demand while also meeting the needs of our most vulnerable residents.

Check out all of the Durham County library locations and hours of operation here.

You see, our libraries are not just places to read, study, or enjoy programs. Public libraries are one of the few places in our society where anyone can sit – from open to close if they so choose – without having to spend a dime. Durham County Library is where we gather as a community. The mere existence of public libraries is itself a great achievement for our society, but here in Durham, our libraries and the team members who work in them consistently go above and beyond.

Over 2.25 million items circulated through Durham County's seven brick-and-mortar library locations and book mobile last year. That was in addition to nearly 6,000 programs that included everything from bilingual storytimes to panels with globally renowned authors. Our libraries work hard to bridge Durham’s digital divide by providing over 90,000 public computer sessions each year and making free Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout. With the support of the Durham Library Foundation and the Friends of the Durham Library, our library system delivers award-winning services and resources to everyone, regardless of who you are or where you come from.

With a handful of exceptions like small printing fees and replacement charges for lost items, our library system is completely free at the point of use. Your free library card is your key to unlocking a whole world of wonder. Whether you’re making use of the co-working spaces, tracking down your next mystery novel in the stacks, or printing off that last-minute homework, Durham County Library has something for everyone!

Libraries are special to me, and I was reminded of that during my visit to the Main Library this weekend. Our welcoming library staff, diverse collections, and community programming make it a space where anyone can read, learn, create, or simply find sanctuary. Our library branches offer so much more than books—they're vital community hubs.

That's why I'm thrilled that on October 5, we quietly reopened Main Library for Sunday operations for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a count of 761 visitors, and that doesn’t fully account for MakerLab traffic.

“We had an overwhelming positive response from the community on Sunday,” said interim Library Director Stephanie Fennell. “Every customer that I encountered, expressed how happy they were that we were open on Sundays and that they have been waiting for years. There were dozens of people coming with their families to check out books, there were people studying and having meetings. Everyone was using the space just as we envisioned they would!”

I hope everyone takes the opportunity to enjoy everything our Durham County Library system has to offer!

Until next week,

Claudia Hager | County Manager