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Durham Library Foundation · Since 2000

Building a World-Class Library System

Public libraries are among the most important institutions in American society. For that reason, we support Durham County Library by raising money and managing investments for capital projects, programs, collections, and special needs.

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Families at an outdoor storytime outside Durham County Library

Grants announced for 2026–2027. See what your gifts are funding

Children sitting on the floor listening at a library program

Why the Foundation

Private gifts fund what the library budget can't

The Foundation solicits gifts from many sources, including those not available to a government-funded library. Private contributions are used to fund programs and improvements that the library could not otherwise afford, and those funds have ensured an extraordinary level of service for Durham, North Carolina citizens.

Learn about the Foundation

Beyond the budget

Private gifts pay for programs, collections, and improvements the county library budget doesn't cover.

Built to last

We manage endowments and investments so the library has support for generations, not just this year.

All for Durham County Library

Our sole purpose is to benefit Durham County Library and the people it serves, in every branch.

Our impact

A quarter century of support for Durham's libraries

Since 2000

Organized by Durham citizens to secure the library's long-term future

$1.2M

Provided for Main Library's renewal: new furniture and equipment

$500K

National Endowment for the Humanities challenge grant

Library projects funded with $177,883 in grants in 2025–2026

Your generous gifts make a lot of good happen

Shelves of books in the library collection

Collections

Additional funding helped narrow the wait time by 12 days.

A library technology kit with laptop, hotspot, and backpack

Tech Kits

Computers, hot spots, resources, and backpacks for loan at Durham County Library’s Bragtown location.

A library outreach worker beside the Destination Literacy van

Get Set, Get Ready, Let’s Read

29 at-home daycare facilities receive delivery of rotating books serving 145 children.

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Our newsletter shares impact stories, upcoming events, and simple ways to help Durham County Library.

Impact stories

See what your gifts make possible

The open, sunlit Small Business Center at Durham County Main Library

Workforce

Small Business Center builds equity in entrepreneurship

Our Small Business Center offers free workforce development and business information services, programs, and resources to the Triangle.

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Two women embracing at a humanities program

Programs

Enhanced humanities programming provides opportunity for growth

Author talks and community conversations bring Durham together around ideas, history, and culture.

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Community

Library Fest showcases that libraries provide more than just books

Held each April, Library Fest promotes literacy and lifelong learning across ages and across disciplines.

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“

I support our public libraries through the Durham Library Foundation because they are world class, and everyone is welcome.

Arthur Rogers

A mother reading a picture book with two children in the library stacks

Give for today

Our donors share the conviction that free access to information, programs, and services is a linchpin to democracy. With your gift, no matter the size, you help Durham County Library stay relevant, vibrant, and enjoyed by all.

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Give for tomorrow

Planned giving means leaving a gift to the foundation that will sustain the library beyond your lifetime. Legacy gifts are a wonderful way for someone who loves the library to make a high-impact contribution.

Learn about planned giving