- Spotlight on Children's Librarians
- New Releases: Wowbrary
- Adult Library Programs: ThriveOBX, Master Gardeners, Chillaxing at the Hatteras Library, Adult Winter Reading
- Online Author Talks, Regular Gatherings for Adults
- Community Resources: Financial Workshop, Block Play
 Interlibrary Loans Ending: What You Need to Know
As part of the Dare County Library’s transition onto a new statewide system, NC Cardinal, in June 2026, we will be transitioning off of our long-standing Interlibrary Loan (ILL) program.
When a patron requests a physical item not carried by one of the libraries in the East Albemarle Regional Library System, one of our ILL coordinators requests the item from a library located in the United States. These items are mailed to us, and we charge a $2 fee to offset the cost of shipping. NC Cardinal provides access to physical materials in 70 library systems, which will eliminate the need for ILLs and the need to charge patrons.
Starting Friday, May 1, 2026, we will stop taking requests for materials that we do not have in our Dare County libraries and can only be filled by Interlibrary Loan. Patrons with outstanding ILLs are asked to have all materials returned by Monday, June 1, 2026.
We thank you for your continued support and understanding while we move into this new phase of the Dare County Library.
Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley
Dare County Librarian
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 Celebrating Our Children's Librarians
On February 1, we’re proud to celebrate Tammy Batschelet’s 10-year anniversary with the Dare County Library! Ms. Tammy’s dedication and service have made a lasting impact on our library and the community we serve. Her boundless energy, creativity, and enthusiasm are a gift to our Manteo Library and Hatteras Library. Please join us in congratulating her on this milestone.
We’re also excited to welcome Sallie Hedrick Bowman, our new Kill Devil Hills Library children’s librarian! Along with her arrival comes a new Family Storytime format at the Kill Devil Hills Library. Family Storytime is designed for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers and features books, songs, rhymes, movement, and plenty of play. This interactive program supports early literacy by nurturing pre-reading skills in a fun, welcoming environment for families.
Keep up with our schedule by checking out our children's online event calendar!
For more information, please contact:
Kill Devil Hills Library:
Contact Sallie Bowman at 252-441-4331 or Sallie.Bowman@DareNC.gov
Manteo Library and Hatteras Library:
Contact Tammy Batschelet at 252-473-2372 or Tammy.Batschelet@DareNC.gov
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 Sign Up for Wowbrary Weekly Updates
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.
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 February 2026 Online Author Talks
This February’s Online Author Talks are for those who love history, magic, and adventure! Chase away the winter blues with fascinating discussions.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 7 p.m. “Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures” with Novelist Vanessa Riley, Award-Winning Author of Island Queen and Murder in Westminster
Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2 p.m. “Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic” with Dr. Lindsey Stewart, Award-Winning Author and Professor of Philosophy
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 2 p.m. “Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum” with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch, A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
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.
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Author Talk Watch Parties at the Kill Devil Hills Library
Join us at the Kill Devil Hills Library on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 2 p.m. to watch the online author talks live with others who share your love of reading!
No registration is required; just drop in and join us!
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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 Dare County Librarian Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley. 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.
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ThriveOBX Big Beach Cleanup and Keep Our Island Clean Day
From Duck to Buxton and Roanoke Island to Wanchese, community members across the Outer Banks will come together to care for our coastline during the official Thrive Month Beach Cleanup on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Kill Devil Hills Library staff members for our portion of the cleanup. Whether you can stay for the full hour or just stop by, your help makes a difference.
Event: Kill Devil Hills Library ThriveOBX Beach Cleanup
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Place: Pinehurst Beach Access in Kill Devil Hills
The library will provide Litter Cleanup Kits from our Library of Things, so just bring yourself, comfortable clothing, and a love for our local beaches. All ages are welcome!
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Dare County Extension Master Gardener Library Series
Our local Master Gardeners continue their winter series with presentations to help your garden thrive on the Outer Banks. Register for these free, informative sessions:
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.
Rescheduled: Second Annual Seed Swap
The second annual Dare County Seed Exchange has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 7, 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.
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DIY Sugar Scrub at the Hatteras Library
Create your own homemade sugar scrub using simple ingredients. All supplies will be provided at this program for adults—just mix, label, and take it home!
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Place: Hatteras Library, (57689 Highway 12)
Questions? Contact Michelle Lord at 252-986-2385.
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Chillaxing at the Hatteras Library
Take a calm moment for yourself at the library with our mindfulness and relaxation series for adults. With a focus on caring for yourself, sessions will be offered through April.
The theme for February is "Mindful Gratitude." Nellene Groetsch will lead this session with a focus on appreciating small moments. Attendees will receive a free journal and pen. This session will be offered on two dates, as follows:
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, February 19, 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.
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Winter Reading Challenge for Adults
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. 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.
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Lunchtime Learning: "Downsizing & Decluttering"
Zen your space! Are you thinking it's time to get your house organized? Do you want to prepare to age in place? Are you considering a move to a smaller home? Do you simply want to make your house safer?
Join us for "Downsizing & Decluttering" presented by Beverly Mineo, RN, SRES.
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Place: Manteo Library meeting room
This is a free presentation, offered in person and live via Zoom. Light refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is required.
Questions? Contact Julie Stewart at 252-441-4331 or Julie.Stewart@DareNC.gov
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 Join in anytime! Our regular gatherings are open to all adults who want to share ideas, learn something new or just enjoy time with others. Pre-registration is not required.
Keep reading to learn more about our new Spice of the Month Club, ongoing fiber arts groups, Doodle & De-Stress, writing groups, book clubs and Tech Time!
New! True Crime Club at the Hatteras Library Starts in February!
Help us build the True Crime Club at Hatteras Library! At our first meeting, we’ll chat about what excites you most about true crime—books, documentaries, podcasts, and more—then put your knowledge to the test with true crime trivia. This is a free program for adults.
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Place: Hatteras Library, 57689 Highway 12, Hatteras, NC
Questions? Contact Michelle Lord at 252-986-2385.
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Manteo Library Spice of the Month Club
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!
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Yarn & Fiber Arts Groups at the Dare County Library
The Dare County Library hosts monthly groups for anyone who enjoys working on yarn projects, such as knitting, crocheting or other fiber arts. These are free, in-person events that are open to all skill levels. Bring an idea or your latest project to work on, and we'll help each other. What will you make next?
Kill Devil Hills Library
Knit Knights
First and third Tuesday of each month
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 and Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Manteo Library
Fiber Flock
Second and fourth Monday of each month
Monday, February 9, 2026 and Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Hatteras Library
Yarn Storming
Second and fourth Friday of each month
Friday, February 13, 2026 and Friday, February 27, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Doodle & De-Stress at the Hatteras Library
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, February 4, 2026 and
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 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.
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Ink Slingers Writing Club at the Manteo Library
The Ink Slingers are focusing on storytelling. Of course, there will be plenty of time for writing, reading, telling, and sharing our own stories with each other.
Event: Ink Slingers Writing Club
Date: Thursday, February 4, 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
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KDH Library Scribblers' Society
Got a story to tell? The KDH Library Scribblers’ Society meets monthly at the Kill Devil Hills Library for an hour of creative company, conversation and writing inspiration.
Event: KDH Library Scribblers' Society
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Place: Kill Devil Hills Library meeting room (400 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills, NC)
Please contact Julie Stewart at 252-441-4331 or Julie.Stewart@DareNC.gov to receive updates about the KDH Library Scribblers’ Society.
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Monthly Tech Time
Do you have a technology question?
Drop in or call ahead to book an appointment for personalized help with smartphones, tablets, laptops and more! Each Dare County Library branch offers these Tech Times monthly:
Manteo Library:
First & Third Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Call: 252-473-2372
Kill Devil Hills Library:
First & Third Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Call: 252-441-4331
Hatteras Library:
Third Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Call: 252-986-2385
Be sure to bring your device, logins and passwords, and please note that these sessions are not for computer repair.
Book Club Meetings in January
Kill Devil Hills Library Book Club
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
"Little Secrets" by Jennifer Hillier
For more information, please contact Julie Stewart at 252-441-4331 or Julie.Stewart@DareNC.gov
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Manteo Library Book Club
Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
"Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
For more information, please contact Sophie Bennewitz at
252-473-2372 or Sophie.Bennewitz@DareNC.gov
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Hatteras Library Brick Builders
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, February 6, 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.
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1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
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!
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