Durham County Library to Celebrate Sixth Annual Library Fest: The Stories that Built Us (U.S.)
Durham, NC — Durham County Library is excited to announce that the sixth annual Library Fest, in celebration of National Library Week, takes place from Monday, April 20 to Saturday, April 25. The theme for this year is The Stories that Built Us (U.S.). Thanks to the generous support of the Durham Library Foundation and community partners, Durham County Library proudly provides free access to world-class author talks and programs. Programs from headlining speakers will complement over 30 events that will help all of us commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and reflect upon the nation’s past, honor the contributions of all people, and shape a better future for generations to come.
All programs hosted for Library Fest are free and open to the public; some programming requires registration via the Durham County Library events calendar.
Opening this year’s edition of Library Fest on Monday, April 20 is New York Times bestseller Sarah Vowell. The author of seven nonfiction books on American history and culture, including Lafayette in the “Somewhat United States,” will join Durham County Library’s own Jennifer Jamsky in a conversation brought to you by the Friends of the Durham Library at Main Library from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The Paperhand Puppet Project will present “A World of Wonder!,” a whimsical and interactive showcasing of creatures and characters from Paperhand’s 26-year history that celebrates the wild wisdom of our world. This performance will be at Main Library on Monday, April 20 from 11 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 2 p.m. The Library Fest keynote speaker is author Alvin Hall. He will sit in conversation with Adrienne Nirdé, Director of NC African American Heritage Commission with the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, surrounding his “Driving the Green Book,” on Friday, April 24, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Main Library. This book highlights his journey with a friend across America from New York to Detroit to New Orleans. Willa Brigham, two-time Emmy Award-winning host of the children’s educational television show “Smart Start Kids,” will lead a storytelling session at Main Library for all ages on Saturday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m.
“Library Fest and National Library Week is one of my favorite times of the year because it shines a spotlight on the incredible work Library staff do every single day to support, inspire, and connect our community,” said Library Director Dana Conners. “We’re thrilled to showcase ‘The Stories that Built U.S.’ – a theme that reflects not only our shared history, but also the diverse experiences and voices that make Durham such a vibrant place to live. Library Fest is free, open to everyone, and happens across all of our locations and many community partner sites. We invite all Durham County residents to join us in celebrating the many ways the Library is part of your life.”
From crafting pinwheels and Stars and Stripes lanterns, history lessons on jigsaw puzzles and local equality rights icon Pauli Murray, documentary screenings, storytimes and much more, Library Fest will provide a little something for everyone of all ages!
Senior Librarian Celeste Holtzmann highlights that this year’s Library Fest offers a unique lens on both Durham’s local heritage and the nation’s 250th milestone. “Since our first year in 2020, Library Fest has remained a cornerstone for literacy and community connection.” says Holtzmann. “With a lineup of over 30 diverse programs, specially curated booklists, and more, we invite you to go beyond the book this spring and join us for Library Fest!”
About the Durham Library Foundation
Durham County Library receives generous funding from the Durham Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded 25 years ago to develop and encourage the long-term financial health and growth of Durham County Library.
About the Friends of the Durham Library
The Friends of the Durham Library is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that helps fund programs, services, and materials for the Durham County Library, as well as providing educational support for library staff.
About Durham County Library
Durham County Library encourages discovery, connects the community, and leads in literacy. For more information about the library, visit DurhamCountyLibrary.org.