Programs in Numbers

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. 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.

The 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.

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.

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.

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 use a variety of ingredients to make some fun snacks that don't require any baking or cooking. And even better, we'll then get to taste test our creations! For children ages 4 & 5 with their caregivers. Siblings welcome.

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

Instructors with UNC’s Community Workshop Series will teach topics needed in many workplaces, but that can be helpful to anyone, not just job-seekers. Meets on the 2nd floor, in Classroom 217 (the computer lab of the Skills Development Center/NC Works).

You are welcome to register for whichever topics interest you (no requirement to attend them all).

Class Topics:

October 3: Microsoft Word

October 10: Microsoft Excel

October 24: Troubleshooting (get more help on what you've practiced since previous classes, or bring other questions).

October 31: Internet Basics

November 7: Email Basics

November 14: Troubleshooting (get more help on what you've practiced since previous classes, or bring other questions).

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. 🌿

Friendly Fiber Fridays Meet-Up | First and third 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 morning 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!

Intermediate/experienced knitters and crocheters, drop in and make children’s hats for Acorn Caps, which gives them to local students in need (5 years and older).

We will have yarn that you can take home, and needles/hooks that you can use in the library. We'll also have beginner patterns and access to video tutorials, but this program is designed for people who have enough experience that they can figure out the project on their own.

If you have completed hats to donate already, please bring them too! They will be sent to the Main Library for distribution to Acorn Caps. You are also welcome to visit the Main Library to donate additional hats. For more information on Acorn Caps and the hat drive, click here.

Blast off into an afternoon of hands-on space fun! Kids can build their own constellations, create mini rockets, and design a unique planet to take home. Drop in anytime during the program hour—your space adventure awaits! For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade and their caregivers. Siblings welcome.

Join us for a mid-week break. Mindful Meetups will feature sitting and walking meditation for anyone, whether a new or a longtime practitioner. Take a breath, let go and begin again.

Kids and their families, drop-in for crafting time!

Each week will have a new seasonal craft for families to enjoy together to add more fun to your library visits.

This week's craft: Fall Bean Mosaics.

Program is designed for children to participate with the assistance of their adult family members on a drop-in basis, with instructions provided for self-led activities. Children must be supervised during library visits.

Ready to put your creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to the test? Work in teams to tackle a series of fun engineering challenges using everyday materials. Build, test, rethink, and see if your team can complete each challenge!

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!

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

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

Please note, there are two sessions of this program, offered back to back to accommodate more attendees and varying nap schedules. The 1st session starts at 9:30am and the 2nd session starts at 11:00am. Choose only one session to attend each week--the programs are the same! The 1st group will be asked to begin leaving the program area at 10:30am to transition in the next group.

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.

Mindfulness meditation and gentle movement can help you achieve greater focus, clarity, balance, and inner calm. Join us on the first Tuesday of the month from 12:00-1:00pm for an hour of inspiring guidance and deep relaxation. Poetry, music, and nature-connection activities enrich the practices.

Registration preferred.

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 draws on ancient wisdom practices combined with psychology, neuroscience, and trauma sensitivity.

Acorn Caps Hat Drive | Give a someone in need the gift of warmth this winter by knitting or crocheting a hat for Acorn Caps, a local organization which creates and distributes hats, gloves, and more to community members in need. Fibercrafters make hats over the summer and fall then drop them off at Main Library in Hillsborough through the end of the year.

Visit AcornCaps.org and stop by Main Library to borrow supplies, pattern books, and more. and more at

Looking for patterns? Knitting or crochet patterns for child-sized winter hats can be found on Ravelry.com, a free website for fibercrafters. The library also has a knitting and crochet book section which will contain patterns.

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.