For educators

Whether you teach in a classroom, homeschool, or anything in between, we’re here for you! Get in touch any time we can help you get access, plan a library session, or find resources to support your curriculum.

If there’s a librarian you already work with, you can contact them directly about anything mentioned on this page. If you don’t have an assigned librarian yet, get in touch and we’ll set you up with one.

Accounts and access

Aside from our regular library cards, we have a couple of special account options for educators.

Institutional cards

Schools and child care programs can get an institutional library card to check out up to 100 items at a time. To get an institutional card, the fiscal agent of your organization (usually the principal or director) should fill out the Institutional Borrower’s Application (PDF). You can bring the completed application to the checkout desk at any library location or give it to a member of our outreach staff. To learn more about institutional library cards, contact Outreach Services at 919-560-0155.

For Durham Public Schools – Bull City, NC SLAM

DPS teachers and staff can get a free library card through the Bull City, NC SLAM program by presenting your DPS ID at any DCoL location. You don’t need to be a Durham County resident. Your SLAM account works like a normal adult borrower card.

All DPS students automatically have a SLAM ID unless they have opted out of the program. For students, the SLAM ID is the same as their PowerSchool number. Your class can use their SLAM IDs for accessing library resources online and for requesting books to check out.
Learn more about how Bull City, NC SLAM works.