Dare County Library January 2026 Newsletter

Next Meeting: Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Location: Kill Devil Hills Library Meeting Room, 400 Mustian Street 

The agenda and board packet will be posted on January 5, 2026.

Contact: Dare County Librarian Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley (Meaghan.Beasley@DareNC.gov) 

The public is welcome to attend all Board of Trustees meetings. 

Sixty-one years ago, the East Albemarle Regional Library (EARL) system was created by pooling resources and funds amongst Camden, Currituck, Dare and Pasquotank counties. The endeavor helped allow for our rural tax bases to support public libraries that have grown and thrived over six decades. Today, each county is now able to support its own library system, and on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, EARL will dissolve to be replaced by four new county public libraries, including the Dare County Public Library. 

Over the course of the next six months, we’ll share lots of information about what’s changing and staying the same, how the transition will impact our patrons, and what you can do to prepare. You can look forward to: 

• The continued flexibility to check out and return books and other items between Dare, Currituck, Camden and Pasquotank libraries 
• Access to over 8 million items from 70 North Carolina public library systems

Your library card number and PIN will remain the same, and the Dare County Library team will be here to support and assist you the same as always. Our hopes are to provide a seamless transition to the same Dare County Library you know and love but with broader access, more direct county support, and a better ability to grow in the future. 

Thank you, Dare County readers and library lovers, for supporting your local public library!

Happy New Year, 

Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley 
Dare County Librarian

When you sign up for Wowbrary, you will get weekly updates with detailed descriptions of new items that we’ve ordered for the library. Updates will include both physical items purchased for the library and electronic items available through Libby. Whenever you spot something of interest in the Wowbrary newsletter, you'll be able to click instantly, reserve it and check it out when it’s ready for you. And, of course, like everything else in the library, this service is free!

How do I sign up?
Click the button below to sign up, and each Wednesday you will receive a list of new releases! Don’t forget to check your spam folder if you’re not seeing the emails after you sign up. You can stop receiving the weekly emails anytime you wish.

How do I place a hold on an item I see in Wowbrary?
When you click on a physical item in Wowbrary, you'll be taken to our library catalog so you can place a hold there. Electronic items will take you to Libby, where you can borrow or place a hold in the app. Click here to access a more detailed Wowbrary explanation and tips.

Jump into January with online author talks! This month we deep dive into the mystery of human connection. Online Author Talks for this month include: 

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2 p.m.
"The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply" with David Brooks, Leading Cultural and Political Commentator and Bestselling Author of "The Road to Character" 

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2 p.m.
"Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine" with Julia Hotz, Journalist and Award-Winning Author of "The Connection Cure"

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 7 p.m.
"Secrets and Second Chances" with Liz Moore, New York Times Bestselling and Award-Winning Author of "The God of the Woods" and "Long Bright River"

Register, submit questions, and view more Online Author Talks here: Libraryc.org/DareLibrary

This feature was made possible thanks to funding provided by the Dare County Library Foundation.

Join us at the Kill Devil Hills Library on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. to watch the author talks live with others who share your love of reading!

No registration is required; just drop in and join us! 

Bring your clean, usable craft supplies and pick up something new to you—all for free! Donate craft supplies for entry to the Donor Preview on Thursday. 

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 to Saturday, January 10, 2026

Kill Devil Hills Library, Manteo Library and Hatteras Library

Donation Drop-Off:
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 and Wednesday, January 7, 2026 during regular library hours and Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Donor Preview:
Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Community Pick-Up Days (free and open to the public):
Pick up free craft supplies on Friday and Saturday during regular library hours.

Questions?
Contact Julie Stewart at 252-441-4331 or Julie.Stewart@DareNC.gov

It is college application season, which means that it is time for scholarship season! The Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) will open their scholarship application portal online on Friday, January 9, 2026 at www.obcf.org/scholarships. The application portal closes on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Who are the scholarships for?
Scholarships are for everyone from high school seniors and College of The Albemarle graduates to adult learners and those heading to universities, community colleges, or trade and technical schools.

How can I get help with the scholarship application?
Make plans to attend one of the scholarship application help sessions on the dates below:

Monday, January 12, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Manteo Library

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kill Devil Hills Library

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fessenden Center Annex in Buxton

For more information about applying for scholarships, visit obcf.org.

Our local Master Gardeners will be back with a fresh lineup of talks to help your garden thrive on the Outer Banks. Pre-registration is required for these free events.

Register for these free, informative sessions:

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
"Plants that Survive & Thrive on the Outer Banks"

Wednesday, January 28, 2026
"Gardening on the Outer Banks in a Changing Climate"

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
"Using Native Plants to Attract Birds"

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
"Weeds: Love Them, Leave Them or Kick Them Out!"

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
"Shade Gardening on the Outer Banks"

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
"Talkin' Tomatoes"

All sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in person at the Kill Devil Hills Library or livestreamed via Zoom.

Pre-registration is required for these free events. To register for in-person and online participation, visit DareNC.gov/Enrichment or call 252-441-4331.

The second annual Dare County Seed Exchange will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kill Devil Hills Library meeting room. The Dare County Library Seed Library offers seeds year-round, but don't miss this special opportunity to help your garden grow.

• Pick up new seeds to try!
• Share your extra seeds or seeds you’ve harvested.
• No seeds to bring? No problem! There will be plenty of seeds to share.

Master Gardeners will be available to demonstrate and answer your seed starting questions or any other gardening questions you may have. For more information, contact the Dare County Extension Office at 252-475-9245.

Take a calm moment for yourself at the library with our new mindfulness and relaxation series for adults. With a focus on caring for yourself, sessions will be offered  from January through April.

The theme for January is "Mindful Breathing" with sessions offered at two times:

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Registration is not required; walk-ins are welcome. For more information, visit DareNC.gov/Enrichment or contact Michelle Lord at 252-986-2385 or Michelle.Lord@DareNC.gov.

Curl up with a good book—and try something new! Our Adult Winter Reading Challenge invites you to explore books, digital resources and library services in fun, low-pressure ways. Complete activities at your own pace, discover new favorites, and be entered to win a spring-ready prize pack. Submit one entry each time you complete any five tasks on our list.

To get started, visit DareNC.gov/Enrichment or stop by any Dare County Library branch beginning on Friday, January 2, 2026. Entries may be submitted through Monday, March 30, 2026. Three prize packages will be awarded; winners will be selected at random from all entries submitted. 

Kickstart your culinary adventure! Come to the Manteo Library each month to pick up a kit: two recipes featuring our Spice of the Month and a sample of the spice. Kits will be available while supplies last.

Show off your creation with a picture and tag us @darecountylibrary or email us at Manteo.Library@DareNC.gov. We can't wait to see what you create!

Hatteras Library

Yarn Storming
Second and fourth Friday of each month
Friday, January 9, 2026 and Friday, January 23, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Kill Devil Hills Library

Knit Knights
First and third Tuesday of each month
Tuesday, January 6, 2026 and Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Manteo Library

Fiber Flock

Starting in January, our new yarn and fiber arts group for adults, Fiber Flock, will meet at the Manteo Library on the second and fourth Monday of each month: Monday, January 12, 2026 and Monday, January 26, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Adults, take some time for yourself to relax and hang out with us for Doodle & De-stress at the Hatteras Library! All art supplies will be provided.

Meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month!
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Hatteras Library (57689 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras, NC)

Questions?
Contact Michelle Lord at the Hatteras Library at 252-986-2385 or Michelle.Lord@DareNC.gov.

In January, the Ink Slingers will focus on storytelling. Of course, there will be plenty of time for writing, reading, telling and sharing our own stories with each other. We’ve added a second date for January. Make plans to attend both times!

Event: Ink Slingers Writing Club
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026 and Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Manteo Library meeting room (700 Highway 64/264, Manteo, NC)

Questions?
Contact Sophie Bennewitz at 252-473-2372 or Sophie.Bennewitz@DareNC.gov

Kill Devil Hills Library Book Club

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

"The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah

For more information, please contact Julie Stewart at 252-441-4331 or Julie.Stewart@DareNC.gov 

Manteo Library Book Club

Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

"The Ride of Her Life" by Elizabeth Letts

For more information, please contact Sophie Bennewitz at
252-473-2372 or Sophie.Bennewitz@DareNC.gov

Hatteras Library: The Book Drop Book Club 

Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

"Unsheltered" by Barbara Kingsolver

For more information, please contact Michelle Lord at
252-986-2385 or Michelle.Lord@DareNC.gov. 

For more information, please contact: 

Kill Devil Hills Library:
252-441-4331 

Manteo Library and Hatteras Library:
Contact Tammy Batschelet at 252-473-2372 or Tammy.Batschelet@DareNC.gov

Join us for freestyle brick-building fun—for all ages from curious kids to imaginative teens! 

No registration is needed for this free event; just bring your creativity, and we’ll bring the bricks!

Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Hatteras Library (57689 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras, NC)

Questions? Contact Michelle Lord at the Hatteras Library at 252-986-2385.

Join the fun literacy challenge to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten—and it's easier than you think.

Sign up at any Dare County Library location and start logging the books you read. For every 100 books completed, you can turn in your log for a small prize. Reach 1,000 and earn a big reward.

This literacy challenge is intended for children ages 0 to kindergarten, and, remember, every book counts! 

ThriveOBX™  is declaring February 2026 as the first Thrive Month, a month-long program that encourages individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore well-being in an approachable, accessible and enjoyable way.

ThriveOBX: Purpose Community Book Read 

Working with ThriveOBX, the Dare County Library has created a book list focused on the pillar of Purpose; these books can be found in all three Dare County Library locations. Search "ThriveOBX" in our catalog to place a copy on hold. 

Choose any book that appeals to you—they all serve their "Purpose"—and join us for an open book club meeting or get a group of friends, family or coworkers together to host your own club!

Community Book Club Meetings: 

Manteo Library:
Monday, February 16, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
and Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Kill Devil Hills Library:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
and Friday, February 20, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Hatteras Library:
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
and Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Manteo Library and Kill Devil Hills Library meetings will be moderated by Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley, Dare County Librarian. Hatteras Library meetings will be moderated by Michelle Lord, Hatteras Library Branch Manager. No registration is necessary, and all meetings are free and open to the public. 

Dare County is proud to join communities across the nation in commemorating America's 250th anniversary in 2026. With a focus on honoring our shared history, fostering education and celebrating cultural achievements, Dare County’s America 250 celebrations will showcase the unique contributions of our region to the broader story of the United States.

Dare A250 

Visit DareA250.org for all things Dare A250, celebrating Dare County’s unique role in our nation’s story, and sign up for the monthly newsletter to receive Dare A250 news! The next newsletter will go out on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Dare County Library

At the Dare County Library, we’ve pulled together books exploring U.S. history, culture and the ideas that shaped the nation. Search “A250” in our catalog at www.earlibrary.org to see the full list.

Thanks to the Dare County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, we have full sets of NC America 250 local history children's books available at all three locations:

• "Blue's March: An Overmountain Men Tale"
• "Within Our Power: The Story of the Edenton Ladies' Tea Party"
• "Freedom's Howl: Song of the Red Wolves" 

"The Everlasting" by Alix E. Harrow 

Harrow’s fourth novel is a time-bending love story that mixes elements of Audrey Niffenegger’s "The Time Traveler’s Wife" and Kate Atkinson’s "Life After Life" into a wholly new and beautiful read. Historian Owen Mallory receives a book in the mail that shouldn’t exist; it tells the "true" story of Sir Una the Everlasting, a medieval knight whose unrivaled bravery and sacrifice set the stage for a thousand-year reign of the country of Dominion. Before he knows what’s happening, Owen finds himself standing before a defeated and deflated Sir Una, ready to quit her quest for queen and country. Knowing what Una must endure to ensure Dominion is established, Owen encourages Una to fulfill her destiny—which he writes about as it happens. Unfortunately for Sir Una and Owen, it’s not the first—or last—time they have lived this adventure. A twisty, well-plotted tale of country, loyalty, cowardice, bravery and love, "The Everlasting" earns the title of Fairy Tale—with a happily ever after ending we all deserve.

–Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley, Dare County Librarian

When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Where: College of The Albemarle-Dare Campus 

What: Live recording of the "History Fix" podcast 

Join us as we listen in to a live recording of "History Fix," a history podcast written and produced by Outer Banks local Shea LaFountaine. The episode topic will be "Writing: How the Written Word Quietly Shaped Civilization." 

"History Fix" was recently featured in the Winter 2025/2026 issue of Milepost Magazine and can be found on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more. 

The event kicks off the Dare County Library Foundation (DCLF) 2026 Sustainer Campaign. Through donations, the DCLF supports Dare County Library's programs and services. Currently, the DCLF funds the annual Summer Reading Program, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Online Author Talks. Visit the website to learn more about the Dare County Library Foundation. 

Looking for a job in North Carolina? Your NCWorks Career Center will give you the tools you need to succeed at no charge.

NCWorks offers the following services to job seekers: 

• Career assessment and guidance
• Access to training and education programs
• Information on the job market
• Assistance with searching for jobs
• Résumé and cover letter preparation
• Practice interviewing for jobs

Claudia Furges, NCWorks Career Advisor for Northeast North Carolina, will be at the Kill Devil Hills Library starting in January. She can be reached at 252-312-6852 or cfurgesvasquez@accog.org for more information. 

2025 Dates for Career Advice for Teens or Adults at Kill Devil Hills Library: 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Friday, May 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources is offering a virtual book club open to all North Carolinians in honor of America's 250th anniversary. 

The America 250 NC Virtual Book Club is a free and public book discussion forum open to all. Starting in October 2025, the club will meet every other month for a chat on a North Carolina-based historical fiction read. Come and meet other history and book lovers across the state, dive into a good book, and enjoy differing perspectives on the stories. 

There is no membership or minimum attendance required. Please join whichever meetings spark your interest. Each meeting is held virtually at 6 p.m., so feel free to invite friends from near and far. 

We highly recommend checking your local library for each book! 

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please email Chelsea Kiefer at Chelsea.Kiefer@dncr.nc.gov.

The Dare County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was created over 20 years ago by a group of conscientious Dare County community members who were searching for additional funds to support the efforts of the Dare County Library beyond its annual Dare County budget. 

For more information, contact Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley, Dare County Librarian and ex-officio director of the Dare County Library Foundation, at 252-473-2372 or Meaghan.Beasley@DareNC.gov.