Programs in Numbers

It's fall book sale time! Join the Friends of the Orange County Public Library at the Main Library in Hillsborough on Thursday, September 18th through Sunday, September 21st to find discounted books for all ages! The event schedule follows below.

Thursday, September 17th, 5-7pm | FOCPL Members Only Book Sale Preview - Friends of the Library Members enjoy first access to the book sale's goodies. Not a member? Pop by and become a member at the door! An individual membership is $25, a family membership is $40, and a lifetime membership is $300. Thank you for your support!

Friday & Saturday, September 18th & 19th, 9am-5pm | General Public Book Sale - Beginning Friday morning, the book sale is open to everyone whether you have an Orange County Public Library card or not. Stop by and see what treasures you can find!

Sunday, September 20th, 12-4pm | Bag Day Sale - Get all the books you can fit into a bag for just $7, two for $10! Bring your own large bag to make the most out of this deal!

To learn more about the Friends of the Orange County Public Library and all of the ways they support your library, visit focplnc.org

Relax with quiet reading and chill ambience, on the third Wednesday each month. No assigned books, just a space to read in good company.

Chat about your books, if you want, in the last half hour (or just keep reading!)

Registration is not required, and no worries if you can't make it right at 5. If you'd like to be emailed a reminder of the date/time, feel free to register.

Herbal tea provided while supplies last. You may bring your own mug with a lid, but we will also have disposable ones.

This is a chapter of Silent Book Club: for more information about them, click here.

Join the Orange County Public Library for Get Carded: Trivia Nights, a fun and engaging evening of trivia held at The Rookery in downtown Hillsborough. Show off your knowledge, compete for bragging rights, and connect with fellow trivia lovers—all while enjoying a lively atmosphere and local brews.

When: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Where: The Rookery, 115 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (right beside the Main Library in Hillsborough!)
Audience: Adults only

No registration required. Come early to grab a seat and a drink!

This fall from September to November, the Main Library in Hillsborough is offering a beginning-level English class for adult speakers of other languages. Students will practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an interactive group environment.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., starting Tuesday, September 1st. All classes are free, but registration is required. To sign up, please fill out our online registration form or call the library at 919-245-2525.

Location: Main Meeting Room (Room 116), 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough NC 27278

If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Lawrence at dlawrence@orangecountync.gov.

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Desde septiembre hasta finales de noviembre, la biblioteca principal en Hillsborough ofrecerá una clase de inglés (nivel principiante) para hablantes de otros idiomas. Los estudiantes practicarán escuchar, hablar, leer, y escribir en un ambiente interactivo.

Las clases se reunen dos veces a la semana, martes y jueves de 9:30 a 11:00 de la mañana, empezando el 1 de septiembre. Las clases son gratuitas, pero se requiere inscribirse. Para apuntarse, rellene nuestro formulario en línea o llame la biblioteca al numero 919-245-2525.

Lugar: Sala de reuniones principal (Main Meeting Room, 116), 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough NC 27278

Si tiene preguntas, escríbale a Daniel Lawrence (correo: dlawrence@orangecountync.gov)

Join us for songs and stories at the Farmers' Market Pavilion in downtown Hillsborough, 140 E. Margaret Lane. Children from walkers to age 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in a 25-minute interactive program that incorporates age-appropriate books, rhymes, music, and movement. Registration is not required.

*Storytime will be cancelled if the temperature is projected to be 32 degrees or below or there is heavy precipitation. Please check the library’s online calendar for up-to-date cancellation information.

Join us in the kid's area of the Southern Branch Library

For a 15-20 minute early literacy program for babies with stories, rhymes, bounces, and songs! For newborns up to walkers with their caregivers and siblings.

Location is inside the Southern Branch Library on the first floor of the Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro, NC.

Learn computer basics and earn a computer!

Thanks to grant funding from NCDIT, we’ll be able to give away a laptop computer to each patron who attend all four sessions. Classes will include basic computer and internet lessons.

Some of what we will discuss:

Computer basics

Digital Identity

Digital Well-being (including internet safety and scam awareness)

Using Email

Digital Relationships

Digital Safety

Using the internet to access important real life information (banking, medical records, etc)

Social Media

Computers are provided for the class! You do not need to bring your own.

If you need transportation to participate in this program, call Orange County Public Transportation at (919) 245-2008 at least 48 hours before to book a Demand Response ride. There is no fee associated with this service.

You must attend all four sessions to receive a computer. If you are going to have a conflict with one of these sessions, please contact Andrew, the instructor (contact info is in the sidebar).

This class can accommodate 10 students. The instructor will alert people on the waitlist when the class is offered again in the future. Please do not sign up for this class if you have already taken it.

The sessions are Tuesday at 1pm at the Southern Branch Library in Carrboro:
September 8
September 15
September 22
September 29

Main Library's Local History Help Drop-In Hours are most Mondays from 10am-1pm. Help by appointment at other times and on other days of the week can be requested. Help hours take place in the Local History Area on the second floor of Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278

Need help navigating the resources in our local history collection? The local history liaison can assist! Stop by on Mondays between 10am and 1pm or make an appointment using this form. Whether you're just browsing the section or you're wading through our materials for specific information, the local history liaison can help lead you to resources you need to further your research.

Welcome to Medicare! Are you turning 65, eligible for Medicare and feeling overwhelmed by all the information “bombarding” you? The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and the Orange County Department on Aging are here to help! Whether you are retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work, attend this workshop where you’ll get valuable information including how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, as well as Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. Please register by calling 919.245.2015.

¡Bienvenido a Medicare! ¿Está usted cumpliendo 65 años, es elegible para Medicare y se siente abrumado por toda la información que lo “bombardea”? ¡El Programa de Información sobre Seguros Médicos para Personas Mayores (SHIIP, sus siglas en inglés) y el Departamento para Personas Mayores del Condado de Orange están aquí para ayudarlo! Ya sea que se jubile pronto, ya esté jubilado o continúe trabajando, asista a este taller donde obtendrá información valiosa que incluye cómo y cuándo inscribirse, posibles sanciones por inscripción tardía, así como los costos, beneficios y opciones de Medicare.

Esta clase es en inglés. Para las personas que deseen esta información en español, pueden llamar al Centro de Llamadas del Departamento de Seguros de Carolina del Norte. Tienen intérpretes de español disponibles para ayudar a la gente por teléfono de lunes a viernes, de 8:00 am a 5:00 pm El número es 1.855.408.1212.

Interested in the many ways plants can be used to soothe your mind and body? Join us Sunday, September 13 as Hannah Popish of Poppysol Farm and Apothecary in Chatham County teaches us about growing and working with medicinal herbs. She will focus primarily on working with plants for self care in our stressful times.

This event is part of Dig Deeper, a speaker series presented by the Orange County Master Gardeners in collaboration with Orange County Public Library. Occurring on select Sundays of the month from 2pm-3:30pm, this series is free and open to gardeners at all levels of experience. Registration is preferred.

Visit theorangegardener.org to learn more about the Orange County Master Gardeners.

Join Hotwheels Handspinners at the Orange County Public Library's Main Branch in Hillsborough as they commemorate Artember with a live demonstration of spinning fiber into yarn with a handspinning wheel! A limited number of small demonstration spinning wheels will be available for beginners to use, and all are welcome to watch along as the Hotwheels group works their magic in the library's upstairs seating area. Because supplies are limited, registration in advance is strongly recommended if you'd like to guarantee use one of the demonstration spinning wheels.

Hotwheels Handspinners is an active group of fiber artists whose craft begins (mostly) at the spinning wheel, where we make yarn to knit, weave, crochet, felt, macrame, and more! We meet monthly at the Orange County Public Library's Main Branch in Hillsborough, and welcome spinners of all levels of expertise who have fiber to spin and something to spin it with.

For inspiration, feel free to browse the library's collection of books on handspinning.

Join us for a fun and engaging playgroup for children under five years old. While this group is specially geared toward Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, and male caregivers, all caregivers are welcome to join in the fun and connect with others. Feel free to bring toys to share and enjoy quality time with your little one!

Hallo, Kinder!

Join UNC German Language students for a 25 minute storytime program for children and their families. Stories will be in German with simple vocabulary. No prior knowledge of German is needed. All are welcome!

Location: inside Southern Branch Library in Kid's Area. Library is on the first floor of the Drakeford building.

Children must be supervised by an adult caretaker at all times.

What: Calm and cozy meet-ups, perfect for getting lost in your journal. Drop by for deep focus journaling, reflective writing, and low-key creative time. Some supplies provided, but bring your own journal.

When: Saturday afternoons, every two weeks, from 3 to 5 pm.

Where: Southern Branch Room 114

More about Carolina Cozy Journaling Club:

This is a cozy community for all journal enthusiasts living in North Carolina. Whether you’re into daily journaling, collage spreads, or love talking pens and planners, you’ve found your people. Join us, get inspired, and connect with other journalers who understand the joy of the journal. 🌿

Celebrate the joy of sharing stories across generations! Join us for a storytime featuring books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities designed to bring children and the special grown-ups in their lives together. Grandparents, families, and caregivers of all kinds are welcome.

Friendly Fiber Fridays Meet-Up - Added Time! | First and fourth Fridays of the month from 9am to 10:30am and Second Fridays from 1-3pm at Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278.

Do you knit, crochet, or do other fiber work? Bring your project and join us at Main Library in Hillsborough for a Friendly Fiber Fridays. This is a fun meet up for fibercrafty folks with space for you to spread out, work, and chat with other crafters. The library has yarn available for anyone to take if they like, and patterns are available in the fibercraft section of adult nonfiction (in the 746s). Feel free to bring your coffee and snacks along.

This is an Artember program celebrating and displaying community-made art all September long at Main Library in Hillsborough. Click here to view all Artember events and register.

This fall from September to November, the Main Library in Hillsborough is offering a beginning-level English class for adult speakers of other languages. Students will practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an interactive group environment.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., starting Tuesday, September 1st. All classes are free, but registration is required. To sign up, please fill out our online registration form or call the library at 919-245-2525.

Location: Main Meeting Room (Room 116), 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough NC 27278

If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Lawrence at dlawrence@orangecountync.gov.

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Desde septiembre hasta finales de noviembre, la biblioteca principal en Hillsborough ofrecerá una clase de inglés (nivel principiante) para hablantes de otros idiomas. Los estudiantes practicarán escuchar, hablar, leer, y escribir en un ambiente interactivo.

Las clases se reunen dos veces a la semana, martes y jueves de 9:30 a 11:00 de la mañana, empezando el 1 de septiembre. Las clases son gratuitas, pero se requiere inscribirse. Para apuntarse, rellene nuestro formulario en línea o llame la biblioteca al numero 919-245-2525.

Lugar: Sala de reuniones principal (Main Meeting Room, 116), 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough NC 27278

Si tiene preguntas, escríbale a Daniel Lawrence (correo: dlawrence@orangecountync.gov)

Join us at The Drakeford Library Complex for storytime and playtime!

Starting at 10:30am, Southern Branch librarians will lead a 25 minute program with stories, songs, and movement for toddlers-preschoolers and their caregivers!

From 11am-12pm, continue the fun with Carrboro Rec and Park's playtime with lots of provided toys!

These events are free and require no registration.

Children must be supervised by their adult caretakers at all times.

Location: Various rooms on first floor of the Drakeford Library Complex--information desks can direct you!

Create a colorful Perler bead charm to decorate your backpack, book bag, or zipper pull. Design your own unique creation and take home a fun accessory for the new school year! Program for kids in grades 3 - 5. Registration not required.

Not a Book Club | The next best thing to reading a good book is talking about it with your fellow readers. Join us online on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm for an informal book discussion. We’re "Not a Book Club," so there’s no assigned reading and no pressure. Just grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and let’s talk books! Registration is required for the link to join the discussion.

For more information about this and other book clubs, visit the library's book club page.

#NaBC

Need a creative break? Join us for a low-pressure afternoon of doodling, drawing, and relaxing. Use markers, pens, and other art supplies to create your own designs, try new prompts, or just let your imagination wander.

Registration for this program is encouraged but not required

Join the Orange County Public Library for Get Carded: Trivia Nights, a fun and engaging evening of trivia held at The Rookery in downtown Hillsborough. Show off your knowledge, compete for bragging rights, and connect with fellow trivia lovers—all while enjoying a lively atmosphere and local brews.

When: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Where: The Rookery, 115 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough, NC 27278 (right beside the Main Library in Hillsborough!)
Audience: Adults only

No registration required. Come early to grab a seat and a drink!

This fall from September to November, the Main Library in Hillsborough is offering a beginning-level English class for adult speakers of other languages. Students will practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an interactive group environment.

Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., starting Tuesday, September 1st. All classes are free, but registration is required. To sign up, please fill out our online registration form or call the library at 919-245-2525.

Location: Main Meeting Room (Room 116), 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough NC 27278

If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Lawrence at dlawrence@orangecountync.gov.

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Desde septiembre hasta finales de noviembre, la biblioteca principal en Hillsborough ofrecerá una clase de inglés (nivel principiante) para hablantes de otros idiomas. Los estudiantes practicarán escuchar, hablar, leer, y escribir en un ambiente interactivo.

Las clases se reunen dos veces a la semana, martes y jueves de 9:30 a 11:00 de la mañana, empezando el 1 de septiembre. Las clases son gratuitas, pero se requiere inscribirse. Para apuntarse, rellene nuestro formulario en línea o llame la biblioteca al numero 919-245-2525.

Lugar: Sala de reuniones principal (Main Meeting Room, 116), 137 W Margaret Ln, Hillsborough NC 27278

Si tiene preguntas, escríbale a Daniel Lawrence (correo: dlawrence@orangecountync.gov)

Main Library's Local History Help Drop-In Hours are most Mondays from 10am-1pm. Help by appointment at other times and on other days of the week can be requested. Help hours take place in the Local History Area on the second floor of Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278

Need help navigating the resources in our local history collection? The local history liaison can assist! Stop by on Mondays between 10am and 1pm or make an appointment using this form. Whether you're just browsing the section or you're wading through our materials for specific information, the local history liaison can help lead you to resources you need to further your research.