Category Archives: Uncategorized

Hoopla Service Updates

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Due to rapidly increasing monthly usage fees, the Durham Public Library has made some difficult decisions regarding the Hoopla service. Due to rapidly increasing monthly usage fees, the Durham Public Library has made some difficult decisions regarding our Hoopla account, resulting in service changes for Hoopla users. Starting May 1st, we are reducing the number of hoopla checkouts you can make each month from six to four and we are instituting a monthly budget cap.

We know that hoopla is a popular service with our patrons, who enjoy the ability to check out ebooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, videos and music albums from the service. We also love offering hoopla to patrons and will continue doing so. Unfortunately, the cost of hoopla and other digital materials continues to rise.

The Library pays for each item downloaded from hoopla, and increased popularity is rapidly driving up the cost. Hoopla costs have increased almost 70% over the last year. To make the service sustainable within the confines of the library’s budget, we’ve had to lower the maximum number of monthly borrows and cap our monthly costs.

We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause. Please note that there will be no changes to the Libby/Overdrive service, which also offers downloadable ebooks and eAudiobooks.

Going, going, gone!

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All of the Library’s eclipse glasses have been claimed. Looking for other options? Make a pinhole viewer: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/

(If you have registered for the eclipse viewing party on the 8th, glasses are included in those registrations.)

The Eclipse and the Spring Sky

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Monday, April 1 at 6:30 PM

Get ready for the upcoming Solar Eclipse and spring stargazing!  Learn how to safely view the upcoming Solar Eclipse and explore the sky this spring observing events and objects from within our atmosphere to beyond our galaxy. Learn what can be seen and how to locate them with your eyes, binoculars, and the library telescope. Open to adults, teens, and upper-elementary children (or younger ones with a passion for astronomy) with their families. Every attendee will receive a pair of eclipse glasses to view the eclipse on April 8th.

Speakers:
Jim Mazur and Laurie Averill are long-term members of the Astronomical Society of New Haven and guide people in observing and understanding astronomical events and objects. Jim is a life-long amateur astronomer.  Laurie also volunteers as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Click here to register

Navigating Hearing Loss

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Thursday, March 28 at 6 PM

Join Dr. Jennifer Micacci, Audiologist and owner of Best Life Hearing Center, for a program about navigating hearing loss. Dr. Micacci will discuss when to get your hearing checked (signs of hearing loss), how to know if it’s just wax, and what to do if you are diagnosed with hearing loss (available treatments).

Perfect for those interested in their own possible hearing loss or hearing loss in loved ones.

Click here to register

Library Open House August 26

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Come explore our new spaces!

Library Open House Saturday August 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Welcome and remarks from Connecticut State Librarian Deborah Schander and Library Board Chair Robert Booz will open the event at 10 AM

Get a library card, check out our new study rooms, chat in our comfy seating areas, and learn more about the library’s programs and services.

Light refreshments, crafts, and scavenger hunt all day.

Sponsors

This library renewal project is made possible by grants and funding from the following sources:

  • State of Connecticut State Library Construction Grant for $146,957
  • Town of Durham
  • The Peach Pit Foundation
  • The Generous Donations of the Residents of Durham.

Part-Time Library Shelvers

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Ideal for high school students! The Durham Public Library seeks two reliable and detail-oriented library shelvers to join our team. There are two, 7.5 hour per week, minimum wage positions available.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Applicable library experience

Required Competencies:

  • Must be 16 years of age
  • Ability to read, write, and alphabetize
  • Ability to learn the Dewey Decimal system and other library filing systems
  • Familiarity with office computer applications
  • Ability to communicate effectively with staff and patrons.
  • Attention to detail

Essential Functions:

  • Returns items to shelves accurately
  • Assists with maintaining order of collection
  • Assists with creating displays
  • Assists with preparations for library programs
  • Assists with maintaining order and cleanliness of library
  • In addition to essential functions, all employees are expected to carry out other duties as assigned

To apply please send a resume and three references to Christine Michaud, Library Director, at cmichaud@durhamlibrary.org and complete the online Library Shelver Assessment. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023.

Snakes Alive!

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Friday, July 14th at 2pm

Whether they fascinate you or scare you, there is much to learn about snakes. The Roaring Brook Nature Center will visit the Library this Friday with live snakes. Families and children of all ages will learn about ecosystem adaptation, camouflage, hibernation, migration, extinction, interdependence, and food chains.

This presentation includes live snakes.

Registration is required.

Register Here