Programs in Numbers

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.

This class will be June offered again in June. Sign up for the June class here!

The sessions are Mondays at 1pm:
May 4
May 11
May 18
NO CLASS ON MAY 25 - CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY
June 1

WonderKids is an exciting and engaging program designed to spark curiosity in older preschoolers through interactive, hands-on activities that explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Each month we will read a story together and then dive into themed STEAM activities inspired by the book.

This month, we will be learning about vegetables! We will do some veggie-themed crafts and activities. Plus, we'll practice fine motor skills by cutting up some vegetables (with child-safe knives!) to eat with a homemade dip.

For children ages 4 & 5 with their caregivers. Siblings welcome.

Want time to work on your piece for the Teen Art Show?

Students currently in or who have recently completed 6th-12th grades are invited to join Samantha in the Teen Center for an hour of studio time in preparation for the Teen Art Show. Bring what you’re working on or start fresh! Supplies will be available for drawing and collage.

Teen Center is on the 2nd floor of the Drakeford Library Complex building at 203 S. Greensboro St.

For Teen Art Show submission guidelines, deadlines, and details, click this link.

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. While the meeting room offers ample space for spinning wheels, we ask that you register in advance to help us properly prepare for each meeting.

Be on the lookout for occasional “Learn To Spin” gatherings for both adults and children, as well as an annual fiber swap. For inspiration, feel free to browse the library's collection of books on handspinning.

Registration in advance for this event is strongly recommended

Do you have a young reader at home who might want practice reading aloud, but is reluctant to do it with other people? Tales & Tails gives young readers the opportunity to read to a trained therapy dog at the library, building confidence and improving reading skills in a calm, non-judgmental environment.

To maintain a safe and comfortable space for both the reader and the therapy dog, each registered reader will be assigned a 15-minute time slot within the event window. During that time, they'll be able to read one-on-one with one of our therapy dog.

More about our therapy dogs:

Magnolia: I was named after a tree near the spot where my mom and dad found me and my two sisters when we were little puppies. I'm still pretty small, but I have long legs and can run fast! I passed my Therapy Dog test a few months ago when I turned one, which is very young, so I'm still learning. I love riding in the car, all kinds of doggie cookies, toys, and especially kids! I hope a lot of children will come to the library to read to me, and maybe I will learn some new words!

Izzy: I am a 6 year old female Bernese Mountain Dog. My mom and dad adopted me at just 7 weeks old! My breed started over 100 years ago in the cold, snowy mountains of Bern, Switzerland, as a constant, loving companion to farming families, as well as driving cattle and pulling wagons from the farm to the dairy. Now my job is to comfort people and make them happy. I am big and strong, but also calm, gentle, cuddly, friendly, and sweet. I love large and small humans, and belly rubs! I am excited to meet children who want to read to me at the library!

It's Garden Party at Main Library in Hillsborough, and everyone is invited!

Plant Swap & Crafts for All Ages - 11am to 1pm | Plant Swap is back! Stop by the meeting room with a plant to rehome or to choose a new plant. Indoor or outdoor plants and seeds that are healthy, pest-free, labeled are welcome! Please leave only small containers you are willing to part with. Seeds must be in labeled packages.

While you're here, have a mock mimosa, make an easy clay garden marker or bird feeder, take a mini tour of the Learning Garden, and learn about our new Green Literacy initiative to help people of all ages build relationships with nature.

After the Garden Party, Plant Swap will continue upstairs as usual through May17th. Drop by anytime to pick up or exchange plants and seeds.

Tea & Teacup Candles for Adults and Teens - 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm | Register for our annual tea and craft event for adults and teens!

This program is a Green Literacy learning event that encourages people of all ages to enjoy nature, learn about the environment, and build earth-friendly habits. Click to see more Green Lit events at your library.

GreenLiteracy

Join Sra. Yelitza every 2nd Saturday of the month for storytime in Spanish!

Children from 0 to age 4 and their caregivers are invited to participate in a 25-minute interactive program entirely in Spanish that incorporates books, rhymes, music, and movement.

¡Únete a la Sra. Yelitza cada segundo sábado del mes para la hora del cuento en español! Niños de 0 a 4 años y sus cuidadores están invitados a participar en un programa interactivo de 25 minutos, completamente en español, que incluye libros, rimas, música y movimiento.

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.

Lovers 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. 🌿

This 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.

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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)

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!

Hear ye, hear ye! Young adventurers are invited to the library kingdom for a magical medieval afternoon of crafts, games, and royal fun. For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade and their caregivers. Siblings welcome.

Is your baby the fastest crawler in Carrboro? Compete in Southern Branch’s 1st Annual Baby Derby!

1st place winner will take home a free book and all participants will get a bath toy. Our derby is for babies under 18 months to crawl to the end of the kid's area while caregivers wait at the finish line. To participate in the race, children must be 18 months or younger and be crawling the entire time-- walkers will be disqualified. Bring a favorite toy to encourage them towards the finish line!

If we have enough walking participants that are still under 2 years old we can do a "walkers" round.

No registration needed.

Put on your chef hat and get ready to experiment in the kitchen! In this hands-on Dessert Lab, teens will work together to create two delicious sweet recipes from start to finish. Along the way, you’ll learn basic cooking skills, practice teamwork, and have fun mixing, measuring, and decorating.

The best part? After all your hard work, everyone gets to sit down and enjoy the tasty treats you made together.

No cooking experience needed — just bring your sweet tooth!

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 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.

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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)

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.

Meditation

Mindfulness meditation can help you achieve greater focus, clarity, balance, and inner calm. Join us for an hour of gentle and inspiring guidance as we explore basic mindfulness meditation techniques. These classes are suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike who would like to refresh their practice.

All are welcome! You can attend any session without committing to all of them. Registration is required for each session.

Dates and topics are listed below:

Tuesday, March 3rd, from 12:00-1:00pm: Focus

Tuesday, April 7th, from 12:00-1:00pm: Calm

Tuesday, May 5th, from 12:00-1:00pm: Well Being

Tuesday, June 2nd, from 12:00-1:00pm: Joy

About the Instructor
Valorie Hallinan is a mindfulness meditation teacher certified by the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center and the Awareness Training Institute. Her teaching is informed by ancient wisdom practices combined with psychology, neuroscience, and trauma sensitivity.

Valorie has been a medical librarian, a corporate media producer, and an editor of nonfiction books for young people.

Invitamos a las personas que están aprendiendo inglés o español a que vengan y practiquen conversando entre ellas en este evento. Los bibliotecarios ofrecerán formas divertidas de iniciar conversaciones en ambos idiomas para que nadie tenga que ponerse nervioso por elegir un tema de conversación. Es necesario registrarse. Si necesita ayuda para registrarse, envíe un correo electrónico a swaugh@orangecountync.gov.

We invite people who are learning Spanish or English to come practice speaking with each other at this program. Librarians will provide fun conversation starters in both languages, so no one feels awkward trying to choose what to talk about. Registration required.

Main 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.

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.

This class will be June offered again in June. Sign up for the June class here!

The sessions are Mondays at 1pm:
May 4
May 11
May 18
NO CLASS ON MAY 25 - CLOSED FOR MEMORIAL DAY
June 1

Join First Monday Classics Book Club led by local author, James Maxey for a year of American Classics in 2026 in celebration of America 250, the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. First Monday Classics meets at 6:30pm on the first Monday of each month at Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278. 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.

This is one of our programs throughout 2026 that commemorate America 250, the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Click to see more A250 events at your library.