The Patterns
What the Calendar Shows
A look at the programs listed on the Orange County Public Library calendar from February 2022 through October 2026.
Events per year
* year in progress. Earlier years partly reflect the calendar system's adoption, not just programming levels; the jump in 2025 is real, the Southern Branch in Carrboro opened its doors and its calendar that March.
Where the library happens (last 12 months)
Who they're for (last 12 months)
Events can be for more than one group.
The seasonal wave (avg per month, 2024–2025)
June and July are busiest during Summer Reading, programming the Friends directly help fund.
When the library happens (last 12 months)
23% of events start at 5pm or later and 21% land on weekends, programming for people who work weekdays too.
The standing traditions (since 2022)
Times each program has run. For families, those recurring programs become part of the weekly routine.
And people showed up
The calendar counts the events; the state's official Public Libraries Survey counts the people. In FY2024, OCPL recorded 8,338 program attendances, up from 926 in pandemic-year FY2021, a recovery of roughly 9×. More on the long arc at library trends.
Counted from 2,741 event listings on the library's public calendar, February 2022 through October 2026. Figures reflect scheduled programming rather than attendance, and canceled events are excluded when identified in the source data.
The Full Record
See What’s Been Happening
Browse the full event archive: listings imported from the library calendar since February 2022, filterable by year, branch, audience, program type, day, or keyword.
Past listings are retained for reference. Dates, links, and registration information in archived events may no longer be current.
2,865 listings.
| Date | Event | Time | Location | For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, May 22, 2026 |
Morning Friendly Fiber Fridays Meet-Up DescriptionFriendly Fiber Fridays Meet-Up | First and fourth Fridays of the month from 9am to 10:30am 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 morning coffee and snacks along. |
9:00am | Main | Adults |
| Fri, May 22, 2026 |
Creative Journaling Meet-ups with Carolina Cozy Journaling Club DescriptionLovers of journaling, stationery, and creative organization, come work together and socialize every two weeks on Friday evenings! Note that the library will be closed on June 19th and July 3rd for holidays, so there will not be meetings on those dates. 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. Bring your notebooks, stickers, or just yourself; everyone’s welcome! Who can join: Anyone living in NC with a love for journaling, planning, or creativity. Join us, get inspired, and connect with other journalers who understand the joy of the journal. 🌿 |
4:00pm | Southern | Adults |
| Thu, May 21, 2026 |
Beginning-Level English Class DescriptionThis winter and spring, 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 March 3rd. 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. -- Desde marzo hasta finales de mayo, 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 3 de marzo. 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) |
9:30am | Main | Adults |
| Wed, May 20, 2026 |
Relax and Read at Southern DescriptionRelax with quiet reading in good company and herbal tea or hot cocoa. Chat about your books, if you want, in the last half hour (or just keep reading!) Registration is not required, and you can come and go whenever between 5 and 7. If you'd like to be emailed a reminder of the date/time, feel free to register. Hot cocoa mix, tea, and hot water provided. Disposable mugs with lids will be available, but you're welcome to bring your own, as long as it also has a lid. |
5:00pm | Southern | Adults |
| Wed, May 20, 2026 |
Get Carded: Trivia Nights at The Rookery DescriptionJoin 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 No registration required. Come early to grab a seat and a drink! |
7:00pm | Offsite | Adults |
| Tue, May 19, 2026 |
Beginning-Level English Class DescriptionThis winter and spring, 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 March 3rd. 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. -- Desde marzo hasta finales de mayo, 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 3 de marzo. 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) |
9:30am | Main | Adults |
| Mon, May 18, 2026 |
Local History Help Hours DescriptionMain Library's Local History Help Drop-In Hours are most Mondays from 12-3pm. Help by appointment can be requested most Thursdays from 12-3pm. 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 12pm and 3pm 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. |
12:00pm | Main | Adults · Everyone |
| Mon, May 18, 2026 |
May Digital Literacy Class Session 3 of 4 DescriptionLearn 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. This class will be June offered again in June. Sign up for the June class here! The sessions are Mondays at 1pm: |
1:00pm | Main | Adults |
| Mon, May 18, 2026 |
Welcome to Medicare! DescriptionWelcome 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. |
5:00pm | Main | Adults |
| Sat, May 16, 2026 |
Cuentacuentos: Spanish Storytime @ Main DescriptionAcompáñanos en Cuentacuentos con Sra. Clemente, un espacio de cuentos en español pensado para apoyar a los niños bilingües. Niños y sus cuidadores están invitados a disfrutar de cuentos en español con música, rimas y un tiempo de juego al final del evento. Join us in Cuentacuentos (Spanish Storytime) with Sra. Clemente, a space for stories in Spanish designed to support bilingual children. Children and their caregivers are invited to enjoy stories in Spanish with music, rhymes, and time for open play at the end of the event. |
10:00am | Main | 3rd - 5th Grade · Families · K - 2nd Grade · Young Child |
| Sat, May 16, 2026 |
Strengthening Your Story's Structure: Workshop with local author Melora Fern DescriptionYou have an idea for your story and have started writing but are hitting a rut. By digging into the story structure, you can take your premise and elevate the direction of your narrative. A story’s structure is the framework necessary to move your characters along and provides an outline for building tension throughout the story. There are multiple types—from three acts to the hero’s journey to snowflake, and in this workshop, Melora Fern will break down the different types and explain the basic structure elements so you can write beyond your story’s premise. You will walk away from this workshop with a plan of action for leveling up your story and the knowledge to find your way through the writing tunnel. This writing workshop includes a writing exercise so please bring your personal writing tools (laptop, iPad, paper, pen, pencil, etc.). Melora Fern moved from Texas to North Carolina to become herself. Growing up as the perpetual “new kid” she persevered by making up stories and recently has learned how to hone that skill into writing fiction. As a recovering CPA, she now counts seashells, colorful stones, or words discovered on her walks. She is the author of Whistling Women and Crowing Hens, a novel inspired by her grandmother's history as a touring whistler in the 1920s. Beginners are welcome at this workshop! A250 |
1:00pm | Southern | Adults |
| Fri, May 15, 2026 |
Page Turners Book Club at the Seymour Center DescriptionPage Turners Book Club takes place on the 3rd Friday of each month from 10-11am at the Seymour Center located at 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516. The book club is free, open to the public, and no registration is required. Call Maureen at 919.245.2535 or email msocha@orangecountync.gov with questions. For reading selections and more information, visit the library's book club page. |
10:00am | Offsite | Adults |
| Thu, May 14, 2026 |
Beginning-Level English Class DescriptionThis winter and spring, 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 March 3rd. 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. -- Desde marzo hasta finales de mayo, 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 3 de marzo. 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) |
9:30am | Main | Adults |
| Thu, May 14, 2026 |
Storytime and Playtime at Southern DescriptionJoin 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! |
10:30am | Southern | Families · Young Child |
| Thu, May 14, 2026 |
Discovery Force - Calm Creations: Build a Zen Garden DescriptionKids will relax and get creative as they design their own miniature Zen garden using sand, stones, and natural materials. This hands-on program encourages mindfulness and creativity while kids create a peaceful take-home garden they can enjoy again and again. Designed for children in grades 3–5. Registration not required. |
4:00pm | Main | 3rd - 5th Grade |
| Thu, May 14, 2026 |
Not a Book Club DescriptionNot 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 |
6:30pm | Online Event | Adults |
| Wed, May 13, 2026 |
Books and Badges DescriptionJoin us for special readings with the Hillsborough Police Department! Once a month, local police officers will visit the Main Library in downtown Hillsborough to share some of their favorite children’s stories. Families can choose the 30-minute session that works best for their schedule. Sessions are offered from 3:30–4:00 or 4:00–4:30 PM, and each session includes up to six children for a small, cozy storytime experience. Please check in at the children's desk when you arrive. After the stories, children will have a chance to ask questions and learn what it’s like to be a police officer in our community. It’s a great way to enjoy books, meet local helpers, and have a fun, interactive library experience! Registration for this program is required. Please register each child who will attend. Parents are welcome to join in the storytime or remain close by during the program. |
3:30pm | Main | 3rd - 5th Grade · Families · K - 2nd Grade · Young Child |
| Wed, May 13, 2026 |
Books and Badges DescriptionJoin us for special readings with the Hillsborough Police Department! Once a month, local police officers will visit the Main Library in downtown Hillsborough to share some of their favorite children’s stories. Families can choose the 30-minute session that works best for their schedule. Sessions are offered from 3:30–4:00 or 4:00–4:30 PM, and each session includes up to six children for a small, cozy storytime experience. Please check in at the children's desk when you arrive. After the stories, children will have a chance to ask questions and learn what it’s like to be a police officer in our community. It’s a great way to enjoy books, meet local helpers, and have a fun, interactive library experience! Registration for this program is required. Please register each child who will attend. Parents are welcome to join in the storytime or remain close by during the program. |
4:00pm | Main | 3rd - 5th Grade · Families · K - 2nd Grade · Young Child |
| Wed, May 13, 2026 |
Pizza Party, Grades 6-12 DescriptionGet creative in the kitchen and design your own mini pizza! Teens will choose from a variety of sauces, cheeses, and toppings to build a custom pizza just the way they like it. Once they’re baked, we’ll sit down and enjoy our delicious creations together. Registration for this program is encouraged but not required. |
5:00pm | Main | High School · Middle School |
| Wed, May 13, 2026 |
Get Carded: Trivia Nights at The Rookery DescriptionJoin 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 No registration required. Come early to grab a seat and a drink! |
7:00pm | Offsite | Adults |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 |
Beginning-Level English Class DescriptionThis winter and spring, 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 March 3rd. 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. -- Desde marzo hasta finales de mayo, 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 3 de marzo. 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) |
9:30am | Main | Adults |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 |
Storytime at the Park DescriptionJoin 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. |
10:30am | Offsite | Young Child |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 |
Babytime at Southern DescriptionJoin 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. |
11:00am | Southern | Families · Young Child |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 |
Curiosity Crew, K-2 LEGOs DescriptionCalling all curious kids! The Curiosity Crew is a program where Kindergarten–2nd graders can build, create, and discover through fun projects in art, science, and beyond. This week the Curiosity Crew will build and create with LEGO bricks. Come design something amazing and see what you can dream up! Children may participate in this program independently or with their caregivers. Caregivers must remain inside the library for the duration of the program. |
4:00pm | Main | K - 2nd Grade |
| Tue, May 12, 2026 |
Tuesday Evening Book Club DescriptionThe Tuesday Evening Book Club is a Community Member-Led book club which meets the on 2nd Tuesdays of the month at 6:30pm at Main Library in Hillsborough. The club discusses a wide variety of popular and interesting books in a light atmosphere. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required. For reading selections and more information, visit the library's book club page. |
6:30pm | Main | Adults |