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Dare County Library

700 Highway 64/264
252-473-2372

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dare County Library is to serve citizens of all ages by making available materials that meet their informational and recreational interests and to support formal education, independent learning and literacy/reading enhancement.

We strive to serve as a reliable resource that meets the community’s need for information, recreation, entertainment, education and personal fulfillment. The Dare County Library attempts to appeal to a broad spectrum of citizens, catering in a professional and courteous manner to their needs. 

About Us:

Dare County operates three libraries, which are located in Manteo, Kill Devil Hills and Hatteras. As part of the East Albemarle Regional Library System, Dare County library card holders also have access to materials owned by the Barco, Corolla and Moyock libraries in Currituck County; as well as the Camden County Library and the Pasquotank County Library in Elizabeth City. Items are regularly shared between the libraries within the regional system as a free service. A two- or three time-per-week courier exchange allows for the timely delivery of requested items between libraries. 

Library cards are valid at any facility in the East Albemarle Regional Library System. Any Dare County resident or property owner with valid identification may borrow library materials free of charge.  Finding material at the Dare County Library is convenient and easy. Search for a book online from any internet-accessible computer. Registered users can access their account, place hold requests and renew borrowed items. A knowledgeable and friendly staff is also available to answer questions and help patrons find library resources.

Children are encouraged to utilize the Dare County library system; however, parents must sign for children under 18 years of age. Serving the needs of children is an important part of the mission of the Dare County Library. Each of the three Dare County Library locations has a wide selection of children’s books for every interest and reading ability. See our Children’s Services page for a comprehensive list of the many library programs available for children of all ages.

The Dare County Library provides the opportunity for everyone in the community to have access to the internet. Computer workstations are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Free wi-fi service is offered for laptop users at all three Dare County Library locations. Printers and copiers are also available at a nominal charge.

Nonprofit groups may reserve meeting rooms at the Kill Devil Hills Library and the Manteo Library for non-commercial events that are open to the public and free of charge. For more information, contact the Dare County Library location at which your organization would like to hold a meeting.  

Governance/Organization  

Local policies within those set by the regional library board are set by an eight-member Dare County Library Board whose members are appointed by the Dare County Board of Commissioners, one of whom is also a member of the library board.

The East Albemarle Regional Library Board is the governing board and is comprised of three members from each of the four local county library boards: Dare County, Currituck County, Camden County and Pasquotank County.


Recent News

Dare County Library Newsletter - January 2024

Click here to View the Information About "Dare County Library Newsletter - January…

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Dare County Master Gardeners 2024 Winter Library Garden Series

Are you interested in gardening and searching for a way to make your winter blues go away? Start planning your spring garden now with the 2024 Winter Library Garden Series presented by the North Carolina State Extension's Dare County Master…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - December 2023

Duck Santa and Sprinkles the Elf Drive-Through Event at the Kill Devil Hills Library on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Come see Duck Santa and his elves at the Kill Devil Hills Library on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Collect…

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Dare County Library Announces Multiple Holiday Events in December 2023

The Dare County Library has announced a schedule of upcoming holiday events that will be held at each of its three branches in December, including traditional favorites—such as a visit from Santa at each location—as well as a…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - November 2023

Click here to View the Information About "Dare County Library Newsletter - November…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - October 2023

In this Month's Newsletter: - New Library Feature: Introducing hoopla digital - October New Releases - Halloween Events for Families - Children's Programs: Bilingual/Dual Language Night Returns - Adult Programs: Library Speaker's…

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Dare County Library Summer Reading Program -June 2023

Dare County Library Announces Upcoming “All Together Now” Summer Reading Program The Dare County Library has announced that registration for its 2023 Summer Reading Program, “All Together Now,” will begin this month.…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - June 2023

In this Month's Newsletter: June New Releases Reservation Forms Hatteras Library Pop-Up Event Beach Food Pantry Fresh Produce Pickup Dates Bookmark Contest Winners Children's Summer Reading Program Introducing "WonderBook" Outer Banks Health…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - May 2023

In this Month's Newsletter: Auto-Renewals of Your Checked-Out Books May New Releases Reservation Forms Hatteras Library Pop-Up Event Book Clubs Library Orientation Night Children's Bookmark Contest Barnyard Blast at the Hatteras…

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Dare County Library Expands Recovery Books in Collection with Guidance from the Saving Lives Task Force

Addiction and recovery is a matter that touches so many in our community. The Dare County Library is pleased to announce a greatly expanded selection of books for individuals and families on these subjects. Most of the newly purchased books are…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - April 2023

In this Month's Newsletter: -Survey - Weigh in on the New Releases Reservation Forms -April New Releases Reservation Forms -Adult Spring Speakers Series and Book Clubs -Book Club in a Bag comes to the Dare County Library -Children's…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - March 2023

In this Month's Newsletter: -New Library Features for our Patrons -March New Releases Reservation Forms -Adult Spring Speakers Series and Book Clubs -Children's Programs and Events -Survey - Children & Youth Partnership for Dare…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - January 2023

Holiday Library Closures: The Dare County Library will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of New Years. The Dare County Library will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2023, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. In…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - December 2022

The Dare County Library's three branches will be closed on Friday, December 23, through Tuesday, December 27, 2022 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. In this Month's Newsletter: - December New Releases Reservation Forms - Hatteras Library…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - November 2022

Dare County Library Newsletter November 2022 In this Month's Newsletter: - Holiday Closures - November New Releases Reservation Forms - November Adult Speakers Series - Storytime, Hooked on Books, Geocache, Debate Club and Reading to a Therapy…

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Dare County Library to Launch Free Seed Library on October 17, 2022

Starting Monday, October 17, 2022, the Kill Devil Hills Library, Manteo Library and Hatteras Library will launch a new addition to their offerings that benefit the Dare County community: a Seed Library. Created as a means to share seeds in…

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Manteo Library Partners With Pet Partners For Children’s Therapy Dog Program

Beginning on Monday, October 17, 2022, the Dare County Library’s Manteo location will team up with the local branch of the nonprofit organization Pet Partners to offer children the opportunity to read to a certified therapy dog. Sessions will…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - October 2022

In this Month's Newsletter: -October New Releases Reservation Forms -Adult Speakers Series in October -Storytime, Hooked on Books, Geocache and Debate Club -Halloween Makeup Class and Trunk-or-Treats -Power of Positive Parenting Class…

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Dare County Library : 'Growing Readers' Storytime Programs

The Dare County Library has announced that its upcoming “Growing Readers” storytimes—which are intended to help toddlers and preschoolers develop a love for reading and learning—will begin the week of Monday, September 12,…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - September 2022

In this Month's Newsletter: - September New Releases Reservation Forms - Adult Speakers Series in September - Summer Reading Program Wrap-up - The return of Storytime, Hooked on Books, Geocache and More - Back-to-School eResources - Cape…

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Dare County Libary Newsletter - August 2022

Dare County Library Newsletter - August 2022 In this issue: - New Releases to place on Hold - Summer Reading Program is Wrapping Up - Coming This Fall: Adult Programs & Book Clubs - New Manteo Branch Manager - Staff Picks - eMagazines are…

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Dare County Library Newsletter - July 2022

Click Here to view the Dare County Library Newsletter - July 2022

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Dare County Library Newsletter -June 2022

In This Issue: - June New Releases Reservation Forms - Final Adult Programs Until the Fall - Summer Reading Program Kickoff - Bookmark Contest Winners - Happenings Around our Libraries June 2022 New Releases Reservation Forms Click on the…

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