National Library Week: Right to Read Day

National Library Week is April 23-29, 2023, a time celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions, and promote library use and support. This year’s theme is There’s More to the Story.


Today is Right to Read Day, a call to action to fight back against censorship to defend, protect, and celebrate your right to read freely.

Right to Read Day: Protect Your Right to Read, April 24, 2023

The American Library Association has also released its most challenged books of 2022 as part of its State of American Libraries 2022 report [link to webpage containing pdf]. ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago and nearly doubling the 729 book challenges reported in 2021. While other instances of book challenges or removals may have occurred, these are the ones reported to the ALA.

In 2022, 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship.

Removing a book from a collection due to inaccuracies, age, or condition (something libraries often do in order to provide the best resources to their users) is different than banning or requesting to ban a book– most books that are challenged because they represent marginalized communities, have “profane” or “offensive” language or content, or disagree with someone’s political, religious, or social viewpoint. In 2022, books containing LGBTQIA+ content were the top challenged materials. Self-selection and choosing to not read a book because you disagree with it is different than requesting to remove it from a collection so no one can read it.

Keep reading for ways that you can advocate for libraries, including how to read some of 2022’s most challenged books and decide for yourself.


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Crafternoon: Creating Community and Cool Things Together

Have you heard about Crafternoons?

All materials will be provided and all current students, faculty, and staff are invited to come hang out, create, and chat with each other (or not, if quiet crafting is your thing). You’ll need to sign in, so make sure you have your Durham Tech ID or know your Durham Tech ID number.

Spring 2023 Crafternoons. Main Campus events are Wednesday from 1-3 pm. Orange County Campus (OCC) events are Tuesdays 11am-1pm.

Crafternoons are hands-on workshops sponsored by the Durham Tech Library and the Student Enrichment Department.

Keep reading for a little more information about each event and don’t forget to put them on your calendar!

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It’s National Library Week!

April 3-9, 2022 is National Library Week, a time celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support. This year’s theme is Connect with your Library.

Connect with your Library for National Library Week 2022-- Durham Tech and the American Library Association

How can you connect with your Durham Tech Library? Well, follow the blog (hi!) and you can definitely check out our social media (especially our much more active Instagram but also our less active Facebook). You can also attend some of our Crafternoons or other events, such as those in collaboration with Durham Public Library’s Library Fest (this year’s theme is FOOD). You can stop in and use our resources, such as our Tech Tools, Recording Room, or study areas. You can Book-a-Librarian for research assistance and instructors can schedule library instruction or refer their students to the library for assistance with research.

We’re here and ready to connect with you in person or virtually!

The American Library Association kicks of National Library Week by releasing the annual State of America’s Libraries report, which contains the most frequently challenged books from the previous calendar year.

Learn more about banned books in the Durham Tech Library Blog’s Banned Books Week post from September 2021.

Click through to see the most frequently challenged books from the past calendar year and the stats on who, why, and where these challenges take place.

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Sitting at Home Waiting for Snow? Check Out Our Virtual Library Services

Sumo Humphrey, a precious little gray cat, looks out the screen door at snow while wearing an adorable red, puffy cat jacket

Waiting for snow like sweet little Sumo Humphrey in his warm, ADORABLE winter jacket?

Just taking virtual classes this semester?

Good news is that you don’t have to be on campus to take advantage of lots of Durham Tech Library resources and services!

Keep reading for information about our virtual library services AND a bonus joyful dog video! (Click that Read more link!)

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Do Your Own Research! (But how?)

It’s officially fall. There’s a chill in the air and jackets are starting to be worn outside (and not just in overly air conditioned buildings). 

It’s also research assignment season. 

Research: Asking the right questions

Whether you’re working towards your last research assignment of the semester, starting your first big research paper, or somewhere in between, we can help! Keep reading for some tips and tricks from your Durham Tech Librarians about researching and keeping your sources organized (which will make writing your paper easier in the long run).

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Taking Home Tech Tools: Chromebooks, Webcams, and Other Tech for Success

Are you, a friend, or one of your students trying to complete school assignments on a smart phone, tablet, old/slow/wonky computer, or shared computer?

Does your computer mostly work, but you need a better webcam or microphone to participate in online class discussions?

Do you need a Chromebook to bring home so you can complete your assignments when it’s convenient? 

Let the Library help!

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Library Announcements and News– Fall 2021 Newsletters

News! For youse! To use! 

The Library has two new excellent librarians that have joined our team and lots of exciting things going on this semester. 

Click through and then on the images (or the links above the images) to read our Fall 2021 Employee & Student Newsletters.

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Summer 2021 Library Hours & Services [Updated Friday, July 23]

For the summer schedule, Main Campus plans to be open Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Orange County Campus plans to be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Monday (closed 7/26). Virtual services will be available on Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Fall hours will begin the week of August 9.

To ask about the availability of resources or verify current hours, email the Library (library@durhamtech.edu) or call 919-536-7211 x1631.

Students should show a photo ID (preferably your student ID) at the check-in desk to use the Durham Tech Library. Guests must show a photo ID to be signed in at the check-in desk. 

Face coverings over the nose and mouth are no longer required while on campus as of May 24, 2021. You may still choose to wear one. We especially encourage those who have not yet been vaccinated to continue wearing a face covering.

Hours may change during the week as required for the College’s COVID response plan. Please check the library homepage or call the library before coming to campus. Updates will be posted and sent out to the college community.

When available, library chat (ChatStaff) is staffed by Durham Tech Librarians Monday through Friday during business hours. Library staff are available through email as well–if the chat is inactive during the day, please email library@durhamtech.edu with questions.

Students, faculty, and staff may request appointments at the Northern Durham Center, Orange County Campus, and Main Campus at alternate times through the library email account (library@durhamtech.edu). We will try our best to work with you.


Durham Tech’s Coronavirus Response page has more information about contact tracing and other resources for faculty, staff, and students. Durham Tech’s 2021 Summer Guidelines page has more information about current College operations and rationale. 

Please remember to be considerate of those around you as we transition into this new phase. 


Students who need to pick up or drop off loaner Chromebooks should contact library staff either by phone (919-536-7211, extension 1631) or email (library@durhamtech.edu) to schedule an appointment or come by when the Library is open, including discussing options for picking up or dropping off after scheduled hours.

Students who are enrolled in upcoming classes either during the summer or fall at Durham Tech can renew their laptop and should contact the library. 


Students who need to return rented textbooks to the bookstore should follow instructions from the Bookstore to get return credit. Questions about rental textbooks should be directed to the Bookstore. 


For more information about current Library operations, keep reading!

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Current Library Hours & Services [Updated Tuesday, May 11]


New term, new hours! Spring semester is ending and summer session is coming soon.

Please remember– All Durham Tech students, staff, and visitors must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth the entire time they are in the Library and should complete the Daily Check-In form to get the daily code word. We will update guidelines as the College does. 

Durham Tech Library Planned Hours of Operation for May 10-28.  During the weeks of May 10 and May 17, the Main Campus Library plans to be open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Orange County Campus Library plans to be open Monday from 12:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Virtual services are available on Friday from 8:30 to 5:00. During the week of May 24, hours will change to summer schedule-- Main Campus plans to be open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Orange County Campus plans to be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Mondays. Virtual services will be available on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Appointments are preferred for both campuses.  To make an appointment, email the general library email account (library@durhamtech.edu) or call 919-536-7211 extension 1631. Before coming to campus, everyone should complete the Durham Tech Daily Check-In form to get the current code word. Face coverings over the nose and mouth are required the entire time you are on campus. Expect to show a photo ID and have your temperature taken at the Library check in desk. Hours may change during the week as required for the College's COVID response plan. Please check the library homepage or call the library before coming to campus. Updates will be posted and sent out to the college community. Library chat (ChatStaff), when available, is staffed by Durham Tech Librarians Monday through Friday during business hours. Library staff are available through email as well--if the chat is inactive during the day, please email library@durhamtech.edu with questions. Students, faculty, and staff may request appointments at the Northern Durham Center, Orange County Campus, and Main Campus at alternate times through the library email account (library@durhamtech.edu). We will try our best to work with you.

Students who need to pick up or drop off loaner Chromebooks should contact library staff either by phone (919-536-7211, extension 1631) or email (library@durhamtech.edu) to schedule an appointment, including discussing options for picking up or dropping off after scheduled hours.

Students who are enrolled in upcoming classes either during the summer or fall at Durham Tech and need to renew should contact the library. 


Students who need to return rented textbooks to the bookstore should follow instructions from the Bookstore to get return credit. Questions about rental textbooks should be directed to the Bookstore. 

For more information about current Library operations, keep reading!

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