Dare County Library March 2026 Newsletter

Thanks to the help and input of various community groups and nonprofits, the Dare County Library has compiled an all-encompassing list of resources for residents. Topics include mental health and wellness, financial assistance, legal aid, food and pet assistance, veteran and senior living resources, and much more. 

Bookmark the link below; we hope it becomes your go-to home for all things Dare County. 

Please send comments or questions to Sophie Bennewitz at Sophie.Bennewitz@DareNC.gov. 

Thanks to the support of the Dare County Library Foundation, the Dare County Library’s free Online Author Talk series is expanding!

Previously offered three times per month, the series will now be held four times each month, with the addition of a new talk focused on Health and Wellness. Each event includes the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A with the featured speaker.    

The first three March talks will also be available as in-person watch parties at all Dare County Library branches. Join us online from home or attend a watch party at your favorite Dare County Library branch to enjoy the program with fellow readers. Visit our online calendar for dates and times.

America 250 NC Children’s Book Series Kit

Created to support North Carolina’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, this educational kit includes children’s books, hands-on activities, historical toys, and more. It’s a wonderful resource for families, homeschoolers, and educators looking to explore North Carolina’s role in American history in an interactive way. This project was made possible through support from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the Virginia Dare Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Ghost Hunting Kit

Ready for a little mystery? Our new Ghost Hunting Kit includes beginner-friendly books and paranormal investigation tools in a backpack to support recreational exploration in the field. The kit is perfect for curious adults who enjoy local lore and hands-on experience.

Both kits are available for checkout with a Dare County Library adult or property owner library card. Visit the Dare County Library of Things on our website or contact your local branch for full details, borrowing guidelines, and availability.

There's still time to complete five tasks for an entry in our prize drawing! Entries for the Dare County Library's Adult Winter Reading Challenge may be submitted through Monday, March 30, 2026. Three book lover's prize packages will be awarded; winners will be selected at random from all entries submitted. Winners will be contacted on April 2, 2026. Visit DareNC.gov/Enrichment or stop by any Dare County Library branch for more information.

As our Adult Winter Reading Challenge wraps up, we invite you to check out our ongoing monthly adult gatherings. Whether you’re looking to discuss books, try something creative, or connect with others who share your interests, there's a welcoming space for you at the library.

Our regular adult offerings each month include:

Book Clubs at all branches – Thoughtful discussions and great reads across genres.

Writing Groups at the Manteo Library and Kill Devil Hills Library – Share your work, build skills, and connect with fellow writers.

Fiber Arts Gatherings at all branches – Bring your knitting, crochet, or other handwork projects and stitch in good company.

Spice of the Month Club at the Manteo Library – Explore new flavors and recipes.

Doodle & De-Stress at the Hatteras Library – A relaxed, creative space to unwind and recharge.

True Crime Club at the Hatteras Library – Dive into fascinating cases and thoughtful discussion.

All programs are free and open to adults. Visit our Adult Programs webpage or library calendar for meeting times, locations, and details. We’d love to see you!

March at the Manteo Library includes a hands-on St. Patrick’s Day craft, practical tips for simplifying your space, and an evening under the stars!

Do-It-Yourself Resin Shamrock Keychains on
Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Free event. Space is limited. Pre-registration required.

Downsizing & Decluttering with Beverly Mineo on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in person and live virtually via Zoom. Pre-registration required.

Star Party with OBX Astronomy Club and stargazing tips from local educator Rhana Paris on Monday, March 23, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free and open to all. No registration required.

The Dare County Extension Master Gardeners wrap up their winter series at the Kill Devil Hills Library with two sessions in March. Both of these events are offered in-person and live virtually via Zoom:

"Shade Gardening on the Outer Banks" on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

"Talkin' Tomatoes"on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pre-registration is required

NCWorks Career Advice for Teens and Adults on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Outer Banks Health Coach Wellness screenings in the Kill Devil Hills Library parking lot on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Aging Well at Home: Setting Up Your Home to Age in Place presented by Beverly Mineo on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in person and live virtually via Zoom  Preregistration is required.

At the Hatteras Library in March, find your balance with Mindful Movement in our Chillaxing at the Library series, enjoy friendly competition at Family Game Night, or get creative making colorful yarn eggs.

Chillaxing at the Library: Qigong with Donna Cartwright Hayden on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Game Night for All Ages on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Make Yarn Eggs on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Are you confused by library apps like Libby and ComicsPlus? Do you need help working with eBooks or eAudiobooks? Bring your phone, tablet, or e‑reader and we’ll set it up for you!

• All ages welcome
• No appointment needed

Event: March eResource Help Day 
Date: Wednesday March 11, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: Fessenden Center Annex, 47013 Buxton Back Road, Buxton, NC 27920

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

Read Across America Community Celebration

This annual celebration sponsored by the RWS Civic Association will offer family-friendly activities designed to spark curiosity, encourage literacy, and bring neighbors together.

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Place: Rodanthe-Waves-Salvo Community Building, 23646 N.C. Highway 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968 

Be My Neighbor Day

Join the Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County, the Hatteras Library, and other local community partners for a free family event that celebrates what it means to be a caring neighbor. Enjoy hands-on free educational activities and resources, make care packages for our community, visit first responders and community helpers, and meet Daniel Tiger!

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Place: Cape Hatteras Secondary School (in the gymnasium), 48576 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920

When you sign up for Wowbrary, you will get weekly updates 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! Click here to access a more detailed Wowbrary explanation and tips.

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.