Programs in Numbers

Hang out in the Teen Center

to Scrap and Yap with Southern Branch library!

Join us for an hour of collage and "junk" journaling. All materials will be provided, including a new journal for all participants! There will be prompts to spark creativity, or you can do your own thing. You're welcome to bring some of your own scraps if you like, just be sure to bring yourself and maybe even a friend. Register to secure your spot and get email reminders!

Do you want to try new things, but don't want to spend money on supplies for something you might not like? Like sampling a little of everything at a buffet, try out various hobbies with our free supplies and browse instructional books, to help weigh your options! We'll mostly have arts & crafts related supplies, but we'll have a broader range of books for learning about other hobbies. Stop by for as long or as little as you’d like; register if you want a reminder of the date.

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!

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!

Bring your tech troubles to helpful, skilled tutors with Community Workshop Series from the UNC School of Information and Library Science.

If you'd like to be sent a reminder of the drop-in time and share your question with tutors, please register here! Registration isn't required but can be helpful for you and the tutors.

For more information on CWS, visit their website: https://cws.unc.edu/

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, starting Feb 13! (Date/time has changed from January, which previously met on Thursdays).

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!

Create a Plant Maze!

Can you guide a plant’s path as it grows? Kids will design and build a maze that helps direct plant growth while learning how plants respond to light and space. Designed for children in grades 3–5. Registration not required.

This is a Hillsborough Climate Challenge (HCC) event. HCC is a month-long series of events for all ages occurring at venues all over town with the goal of presenting practical and accessible things people can do in their everyday lives to combat climate change. Click here to find a complete list of Hillsborough Climate Challenge events happening throughout Hillsborough.

GreenLiteracy Green Literacy

Join us for a screening and discussion of NC WARN’s documentary investigating Duke Energy’s misleading stance on the dangers of fossil fuel use on Thursday, April 9th at 6:30pm at Main Library in Hillsborough located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278.

NC WARN is a 38-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization tackling the accelerating crisis posed by climate change by building people power for a swift North Carolina transition to clean power by promoting energy and climate justice. The True Cost of Power: Duke Energy’s Climate Deception outlines how, for decades, Duke Energy leaders have misled the public about the dangers of its fossil fuel use while also positioning itself as a clean leader and harming our local communities. The documentary features voices from prominent scientists, journalists, and community leaders. https://www.ncwarn.org/

Hillsborough Climate Challenge (HCC) is a month-long series of events for all ages that presents practical and accessible things people can do in their everyday lives to combat climate change. Though HCC events occur at venues all over town, a number of them will take place at Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278.

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 here for a list of upcoming Green Literacy events.

Click here to find a complete list of Hillsborough Climate Challenge events happening throughout Hillsborough.

GreenLiteracy

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

Celebrate spring with a little paint and a lot of creativity! Teens will design and decorate their own plant pot using paint pens, brushes, and fun embellishments. Once finished, they’ll take home their personalized pot—perfect for a houseplant, herb, or flower. No art experience needed, just come ready to unwind and create.

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)

Visit the Climate Conscious Pop-Up events on Tuesday, April 7th from 10am-12pm and Tuesday, April 14th from 3-5pm in the lobby at Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Stop by these Hillsborough Climate Challenge events to chat and get information. For all ages.

Hillsborough Climate Challenge (HCC) is a month-long series of events for all ages that presents practical and accessible things people can do in their everyday lives to combat climate change. Though HCC events occur at venues all over town, a number of them will take place at Main Library located at 137 West Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278.

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 here for a list of upcoming Green Literacy events.

Click here to find a complete list of Hillsborough Climate Challenge events happening throughout Hillsborough.

GreenLiteracy

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.

Calling 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. Join us this week for a musical program where we will create instruments and play movement games.

Children are encouraged to explore and participate independently, but caregivers are welcome to stay and enjoy too.

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.

We have limited space in the class. If you can't make these sessions, there will be more in the very near future.

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.

The sessions are Mondays at 1pm:
April 6
April 13
April 20
April 27