Library Coverage

Wake County libraries host storytime and more fun kid-focused events
There are so many programs at local libraries to check out!

Enjoy storytime at Wake County libraries
Northeast Regional Library is one of the Wake County libraries that hosts storytime and other events.

Should libraries be banning books? WRAL's Dan Haggerty wants to hear from you
Wake County Public Library has removed the book, "Gender Queer" from its shelves after outrage from parents. The book, a graphic novel about a teenager discovering they are non-binary and asexual, has ignited a fire among conservatives due to some of the sexual images. WRAL's Dan Haggerty wants to know: What do you think about banning books? Should public libraries be removing literature from their shelves? Email him at dan@wral.com

Library brings gadgets, gizmos and more to guests
A library in Arkansas brings a whole new world to its patrons. The William F. Laman Public Library isn't just about books, visitors can borrow household items like a sewing machine or even an air fryer.

Mom outraged at 'Redneck Night Before Christmas' book at NC school library
A mom is outraged that her daughter was able to check out a book titled Redneck Night Before Christmas from her Rowan County elementary schools library.

NC mom shocked after daughter brings home 'Redneck Christmas' book from school library
A Rowan County parent was disappointed that her daughter was able to check out a book called 'Redneck Night Before Christmas' that contained imagery of Confederate flags from her school's library.

Libraries, stores line up summer reading programs for kids to adults
School is winding down for many kids around here and, for some, summer has already started. And that means libraries are gearing up for another summer of programs designed to ensure that kids keep at least a few books in their hands.

With mask rules lifted, some libraries, indoor activity centers, other family destinations make changes
After Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday lifted the state's mask and social distancing rules, family destinations across the Triangle are making or contemplating changes to their mask rules.

Rebound in sight: Cumberland County libraries, Fayetteville city hall reopen
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, Fayetteville City Hall and Cumberland County libraries have opened to the public.

Cumberland County libraries, Fayeteville city hall reopens as pandemic restrictions loosen
For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, Fayetteville City Hall and Cumberland County libraries have opened to the public.

Durham County Library locations to reopen for limited walk-in hours
The Durham County Library system will reopen some of its doors for limited walk-in hours starting May 4.

Library of Congress creating virtual exhibit about the coronavirus pandemic
Painting the picture of the past year, portraits capture heartbreak but also humanity of everything that's been endured during the coronavirus pandemic.

NC Kids Digital Library sees 1 million digital book checkouts, a 60% increase, during pandemic
NC Kids Digital Library is available through every public library in North Carolina.

Wake County begins to reopen its community library locations
More community libraries are slated to open later this month.

Libraries help students of first responders in Cumberland County
It has been about two weeks since Cumberland County created the centers in six of its eight libraries.

Body found outside Smithfield library
Smithfield police are investigating why a dead body was found outside a Smithfield library. Police were notified that the body of an adult male was concealed by thick shrubbery behind an HVAC unit outside the Johnston County Public Library on 305 East Market Street in Smithfield.

Some Wake County librarians to serve as contact tracers
As part of the effort to slow the spread of coronavirus in North Carolina, some Wake County librarians will be taking on a new task.

The library is closed, but you can still 'check out' materials - virtually
Local library systems in Wake County, Chapel Hill and Durham are closed to the public for now. There's no browsing the shelves or in-person storytimes to participate in. But, luckily, you don't have to go to the library to take advantage of all of the materials that our local library systems have.

Wake libraries puts storytimes, other public programs on hiatus through April 15
The coronavirus pandemic is putting storytimes and other programming at Wake County Public Libraries on hold through April 15. Wake libraries are still open, operating during their regular hours, at the moment (Saturday, March 14). But programming is suspended.