Due to COVID-19, all Durham County Library locations are currently closed for regular public access. While our doors are closed, we are working to provide alternate ways for people to access library resources:
Library Take-Out!
As of June 16, you can now place holds on books, DVDs, and CDs, and schedule a time to pick them up at the library when they’re available.
To place holds, log in to your account online at DurhamCountyLibrary.org, or call us at 919-560-0103. The phone line is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Five items can be reserved per library card for each pick up.
Once your items are ready, you will be asked to set up a pickup time through the online reservation system or by calling 919-560-0103.
Complete instructions can be found at DurhamCountyLibrary.org/TakeOut.
Online access
While our doors are closed, you can still check out our online resources, including ebooks, e-audiobooks, magazines, TV shows, and more.
What to do with library items
You can return library materials at Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27701), using the automated book return on the outside of the building facing Liberty Street. The book return’s hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. When using the book return, please:
- Wear a mask.
- Practice social distancing.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
During the hours when Library Take-Out! is available, the drop boxes will also be open outside the libraries for customers to return checked-out items.
Materials returned during Library Take-Out will be quarantined for at least 72 hours before they are removed from accounts. Fines are still not accruing, retroactive to March 6, 2020.
At this point, we are not yet able to accept returns of interlibrary loan items. Please continue to hold on to them for now.
Book donations to the Friends of the Durham Library are on hold until further notice.
Account options
Current cardholders
If you have an existing Durham County Library card, you can sign in with your account number and PIN to place holds for pickup and to access online resources. Your account number is the full 14-digit number from the back of your card, starting with 2345, entered with no spaces. If you don’t know your PIN, try the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with your account – if that doesn’t work, get in touch.
To make sure that all cardholders are able to access our online resources, while our locations are closed, we are temporarily removing checkout restrictions based on previously accumulated fines. Even if you have $10+ of fines on your account, you will be able to use our online resources during this closure.
Don’t have a card?
Are you a Durham County resident without a library card? You can use your mobile phone number to sign up for a temporary card. When you first sign up, your temporary card will only work for ebooks and e-audiobooks through OverDrive / Libby. After it’s been processed, you will be able to use it for other online resources and to place holds on items for pickup. Your access will work as long as the library is closed (after that, you’ll need to come in to make your card permanent). Learn more, or sign up for a temporary online card.
While we’re closed, Durham Public Schools teachers and staff can get a library card by contacting us online, even if you’re not a Durham County resident. Let us know you’re a DPS staff member who needs a card, and we’ll take it from there.
Durham Public Schools students
Did you know that you can access Durham County Library’s ebooks, e-audiobooks, and more using your Durham Public Schools student ID number? Now is the perfect time to try it out – learn more about access for DPS students.
Thank you for your patience and support during this time! Our commitment to the safety of staff and customers is foremost as we work toward reopening. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
-Your family at the Durham County Library
Comments on this post are closed. If you have questions about any of this information, please get in touch with us at https://durhamcountylibrary.org/ask-us/.
Our library is a wonderful resource and one which I use a lot. It is understandable that these precautions need to be taken.
Thank you to all the librarians and staff who make this resource available.
Good decision.
What about interlibrary books coming due this month
Hi Janet – same as for other items – you can just hang on to them for now.
Thanks!
Sarah
The decision to close have been announced rather late on March 15th since I was at the North Durham branch until between 5:30 and 5:45 that day and nothing was said or posted. Therefore I wasted my time and gasoline going to the library on the 16th only to find it closed. I am NOT happy!
I have a DVD on hold that has to be picked up by March 19, 2020. Is there a way I can get my DVD?
If I can’t get it, will it be available when the liberary reopens?
Hi Evangeline – sorry, but items are not available for pickup right now. We’re extending all current holds, and they shuld be available when the library reopens.
Thanks!
Sarah
I may have given incorrect dates in my earlier reply/comment. I was at the North Durham Branch on Saturday, March 14th until between 5:30 and 5:45 when the only information regarded cancellation of meetings, etc, with notation that the branches would be open regular hours for regular services. When I made a special trip to the North Durham branch on Sunday, March 15th, is when I discovered its closure until further notice. I understand your website had NOT BEEN UPDATED Sunday morning either which resulted in additional unnecessary trips thereto by additional library patrons. I feel that is very poor administrativery oversight of Durham County public facilities.
Hi Jeanette – our apologies for the inconvenience. The decision to close was made late Sunday morning, and the library worked to get the information out as quickly as possible after that.
Best,
Sarah
Hello-
Does the suspension of fines include inter library loan books? I have one that is due 18 March.
Thanks in advance!
Sincerely-
Sarah
Hi Sarah! Yep, you can just hang on to those ILL items for now.
Thanks!
Sarah