Join us at the North Regional Library for a special author talk with Chrystal Mitchell, featuring her book I Can Do ALL Things. Chrystal will share insights from documenting thirty days of her son’s autism and ADHD journey, offering an honest look at his behaviors, sensory needs, daily routines, and strategies that help reduce anxiety and support learning. Her message reminds families that they are not alone and that consistency and community make a meaningful difference. A book signing with the author will take place immediately after the program. April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding, promoting acceptance, and supporting individuals and families affected by autism. This program is open to all.

Nature has inspired countless pieces of poetry and prose over the course of time and space; writing about nature puts us in intimate touch with our own inner landscapes, while filling us with awe and reverence for our natural world. If you have ever been curious about nature writing - what it is and how to get started - or if you already consider yourself a nature writer and would like more experience, guidance, and community, this writing workshop is for you! We will walk through nature visualizations/meditations, explore writing prompts as a group, share our work and provide thoughts and reflections on each others' work, and spend time with some powerful selections from the vast canon of nature writing. Open to all experience levels. Just bring yourselves, a notebook, and a writing implement. Prior attendance is NOT required. Chiara has been writing for most of her life, primarily poetry; she has a degree in English Literature from Syracuse University, and a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University. Chiara has spent many years as an environmental educator, is Level 1 Ecotherapy certified, and completed a fellowship program with the Center for Education, Imagination, & The Natural World entitled "The Inner Life of the Child in Nature: Presence & Practice." Chiara has been published in Duke University's Eno Magazine and in the North Carolina Bards 2021 Anthology. As well, she has put out a self-published poetry collection entitled "The Taxonomy of Longing." This session will take place in our 3rd floor Conference Room, 3214.

Drop by the Innovation Lab on the third floor at Durham County Main Library on Saturday, April 18th anytime between 10am - 1pm to explore nanotechnology! In this “tiny science” themed NCSciFest event, scientists from Duke University will walk you through hands-on activities, such as: Exploring the Unseen World: Using both light microscopes and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to zoom in on everyday objects, including yourself! Striking a pose in STEM style: Step into the cleanroom engineer’s shoes with our STEM photobooth, complete with authentic outfits and gear. Unleashing your creativity: Design your own UV-print artwork while discovering how scientists use similar techniques to make computer chips. This event is free, family-friendly, and no registration is needed—just drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm and join the fun. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable adventure into the small-scale wonders of science! Registration is not required. This event is for all ages; children under age 11 must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any accessibility questions or accommodation needs, please contact us at Maker_STEAM@dconc.gov. We ask that all requests be made at least 3 business days prior to the event to ensure we can provide the best accommodations possible. This event is held by Duke University’s Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility (SMIF) in collaboration with the Durham County Library’s Maker STEAM Team, the Precision Microbiome Engineering NSF Engineering Research Center, and NCSciFest.

Join us for a Saturday morning Family Storytime that will include stories, fingerplays and interactive songs! Drop in and join us, no registration is required! All ages welcome. If you have questions about accessibility, program stimulation levels, and/or need disability accommodations, please contact us at (919) 560-8592.