Library Blog - durham tech library

Introducing Durham Technical Community College Graphic Novel Grant

We have some GRRRREAT news to share! The Durham Tech library was recently awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), to expand our graphic novel collection and bring exciting new programs to campus.

Graphic novels are much more than just fun reading. They are powerful learning tools. Combining visuals with text helps lower cognitive load, build vocabulary, and boost comprehension. Thanks to this funding, we are doubling down on our commitment to visual literacy, inclusive learning, and awesome stories!

Graphic Novels Workshops for Faculty

Research suggests that graphic novels and other visual narratives can help reduce common reading barriers. In partnership with the Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) office, the library will offer two workshops for faculty across disciplines, one in Fall 2026, and one in Spring 2027.

These sessions

In December 2025, the Durham Tech Library began distributing "keeper" Chromebooks to qualifying students as the final part of our NC DIT Digital Champion Grant.

Our first sixteen students who have picked up their keeper Chromebook (and the others who have qualified) expressed interest in the program on their intake or renewal form, demonstrated need by borrowing a loaner laptop for two terms or more, and met progression goals according to their program.

Qualifying students turned in their loaner laptop for a new-in-the-box HP Fortis Chromebook, laptop sleeve, and jazzy USB drive. Keeper Chromebooks have a 3-year warranty to provide students additional support with their new machine.

Students also completed a "Getting to Know Your Chromebook" tutorial (available to anyone with a Durham Tech username and password on Canvas).

The Keeper Chromebook Program will continue until the end of 2026 or when allocated funds run out.

• For more information about the Library's Keeper Chromebook program

Librarians like to make sure you have all the information, so sometimes it's hard for us to keep it short. There's just so much information out there! We want to make sure you have all the details that you need.

Sometimes you just need to keep it short[er] and sweet, though.

With that in mind, here's a top 15 list of essential library links for your first few weeks of school and beyond--

• Need a laptop? We have Chromebooks and a few PCs for students to borrow: https://www.durhamtech.edu/student-services/computer-and-internet
• Need a calculator? We have them for short- or semester-long loans, depending on your class: https://durhamtech.libguides.com/techtools/calculators
• Need a place to study? We have spaces in both the Main Campus and Orange County Campus Library: https://durhamtech.libguides.com/library/space
• Instructors-- Need a library instruction session, tour, or quick introduction to library resources? We have form for that!: https://durhamtech1.wufoo.com/forms/library_instruction
• Need to

Fall 2024 was rough, y'all. The Library ran out of both loaner laptops and calculators within the first weeks of class and, we were operating on a waitlist for the whole 16 weeks. We hated it as much as you did.

THANKFULLY, we're mostly great now and ready to check out Chromebooks and loaner calculators to those who need them thanks to our NC DIT Digital Champion Grant which will allow us to buy more and refresh our current circulating Chromebooks AND purchase additional TI-84 graphing calculators for our MAT students.

We're still working on processing more PC laptops for those students who need them for IT classes, including our multiple one-term CIS 110 borrowers. Soon! Also soon? Info about our "keeper" Chromebook program for loaner laptop borrowers.

Keep reading for refreshers on borrowing a loaner laptop, calculator, or one of our awesome Tech Tool options.

As a reminder, to borrow equipment from the Durham Tech Library--either Main or Orange County--you'll need a library account and