If you haven’t stepped inside a Dare County Library lately, you might be surprised by what you find. Yes, there are books – shelves of them, lovingly curated for readers of all ages. But Dare County's three libraries are also places to borrow tools, use a computer and WiFi, print and make copies, take classes, stream bestselling audiobooks, access major newspapers, learn new skills, connect with your community, take a class or attend children's programs, and even have materials delivered right to your front door. Dare County’s libraries are not just quiet places to read. They are important cornerstones of community life.
The mission of the Dare County Library is simple and powerful: to serve citizens of all ages by providing materials that support education, independent learning, literacy and recreation. That mission translates into ensuring that everyone in our community has access to information, enrichment and opportunity, regardless of age, income or circumstance.
From early literacy programs like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten to book clubs, writer groups and lifelong learning classes for adults, the library meets people where they are and helps them grow from there.
Getting started with all this is easy. Library cards are available to full-time residents, children and teens, property owners and even visitors. One card unlocks a remarkable range of physical and digital resources.
Photo: Books clubs are popular at all three libraries. The Manteo Library Book Club fall-to-spring lineup includes four more titles and meeting dates.
Digital Resources
Ask a librarian what people are using most right now, and chances are the answer won’t be “hardcovers.” Demand for digital content has skyrocketed. Dare County Library Director Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley says in the past year alone, Dare County Library saw a 75 percent increase in e-book and audiobook checkouts.
Through platforms like Libby, patrons can access thousands of e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines from their phone or tablet. A library card also gives free access to major newspapers and magazines including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, Consumer Reports, The New Yorker and Our State; online learning platforms like Udemy and Craftsy; research databases such as NCLive and WorldBook Online; and digital literacy and geneaology tools. For many people, the library is their primary access point to reliable information and online learning.
Library of Things
One of the most delightful surprises is Dare County Library’s Library of Things. Alongside books, Dare County Library offers items you might only need once or twice a year or want to try before buying. Think metal detectors, seed library kits, telescope kits, litter cleanup kits, digital converters and external drives, shredders, EcoExplore backpacks, memory kits and assistive tools. The library hopes to grow this practical Library of Things even further.
Photo: Author Kwame Mbalia signs books at the library.
Programs for All Ages
Dare County Library also offers a wealth of programs for adults, teens and children. The library’s calendar is packed with events for all ages and interests, including online and in-person author talks; book signings for children and adults; spice clubs; gardening series with Dare County Extension Master Gardeners; book clubs and writing groups; mindfulness and relaxation classes; seed exchanges; weekly children's story times and summer reading programs; and creative clubs from yarn and fiber arts to destressing doodle sessions.
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, meet people with shared interests or simply spend time in a welcoming space, the library delivers. See the calendar of events here.
Library Home Delivery
Through the library’s Home Delivery Service, eligible patrons can have books, magazines, DVDs and audiobooks delivered directly to their homes. This service supports patrons with physical disabilities, mobility challenges, advanced age, temporary injuries, new parents and others who may not be able to visit a branch in person. Library staff work directly with patrons to curate materials based on preferred authors, genres, and interests – a personalized touch that reflects the heart of public service.
Photo: Children's programming happens regularly at all three libraries.
A New Chapter: Changes Behind the Scenes
Behind the scenes, Dare County Library is entering a new era.
For more than 60 years, Dare County Library has been part of the East Albemarle Regional Library (EARL) system, alongside Currituck, Pasquotank and Camden counties. Originally created to ease the financial burden on small, rural counties, the regional system has served its purpose well, but it’s no longer fiscally feasible, Beasley says.
By the end of June, the EARL system will dissolve, and each county will take responsibility for its own library funding. For Dare County Library, that means core funding will come from Dare County, state aid, grants and support from the Dare County Library Foundation.
The change also brings a major upgrade for patrons: Dare County Library will transition from the four-county catalog (about 130,000 items) to the NC Cardinal statewide system, which offers access to more than 8 million physical items. Materials will still move between local counties, with additional items delivered via FedEx or UPS, expanding access while remaining cost-effective thanks to state and federal grants.
“This is going to great for everyone," Beasley says. "It will give us much more access to resources.”
Importantly, patron access will remain seamless. Library card numbers will stay the same. Libby accounts and digital resources will remain unchanged. The library will launch an awareness campaign this spring to help patrons navigate the transition.
Supporting the Extras: Dare County Library Foundation
While county funding and state aid cover the basics, additional programs and offerings are made possible through the Dare County Library Foundation. Established in 2002, the foundation exists to provide fundraising and advocacy support for initiatives not covered by the operating budget. Recently revitalized under new leadership, the foundation has reorganized, rebranded and relaunched with a renewed focus on community engagement.
Its latest effort is a sustainer campaign, inviting supporters to contribute a small recurring monthly donation to help fund the extras. You can donate to the campaign here.
Kickoff to the Sustainer Campaign: Live Recording of the History Fix Podcast
To kick off the 2026 sustainer campaign, Dare County Library Foundation is hosting a free live recording of the Outer Banks-based but nationally distributed History Fix Podcast. Hosted by Outer Banks native and History Fix Podcast founder Shae LaFountaine, the podcast episode, titled Writing: How the Written Word Quietly Shaped Civilization, will explore how history is recorded – and whose voices have traditionally been left out. This episode dives into the history of writing itself: when it began, how it’s been used and how access to the written word has shaped civilization. It’s a fitting topic to support Dare County Library. After all, libraries exist to collect, preserve and make writing accessible and to help correct the gaps and misconceptions of the past.
The event takes place on Wednesday, January 28 at 6 p.m. at the College of the Albemarle–Dare Campus, with a Q&A to follow. Seating is plentiful, admission is free, and a Zoom option is available. Hatteras Island residents can also attend a viewing party at the Fessenden Center.
Learn More about Dare County Library
To learn more about programs, digital resources, events or how to support the Dare County Library Foundation, go here. Also follow Dare County Library on Facebook and Instagram.
Photo: The Hatteras Library features a distinctive world-record marlin display.
Visit a Dare County Library
Kill Devil Hills Library
400 Mustian Street, Kill Devil Hills
(252) 441-4331
Manteo Library
700 Highway 64/264, Manteo
(252) 473-2372
Hatteras Library
57689 N.C. Highway 12, Hatteras Village
(252) 986-2385
All photos from Dare County Library Facebook
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
