For tax preparation info, please call 919-695-7548. More info >
Behind-the-scenes software update - you can now log in to the online catalog, view your account, and place holds. Phone renewals are not available yet - for now, you can renew online or by contacting us.

For kids and families

The library is a place for all kinds of families to discover, explore, and have fun together.

It’s not just books (although we’ve got a great collection for kids!). At the library you can:

…and much more!

For every age

Through every stage of your lifelong learning journey, the library is there for you. From the very beginning with lapsit storytimes and board books, through homework help and fun activities for kids in school, and into the teen years and beyond – at every age, we can help you grow, learn, and have fun!

Upcoming events

Movement & Music @ Southwest Regional

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 9:45am - 10:15am

Southwest Regional Library (Southwest Meeting Room - Full Room)

Join Ms. Patty for a program filled with Music & Movement and the opportunity to get out some energy with some dance moves with some fun children's music....

Ages: Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Baby and Me Lapsit Time!

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:00am

Main Library (Main Children's Programming Room)

Come join us for stories, music, hand rhymes, bubbles and lots of fun! This 30-minute storytime at the Main Library Children's Area is designed for infants to 23 months, with colorful stories, happy songs and playthings to draw their attention....

Ages: Baby, Intergenerational

Playtime with Ms. Chelsea

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:00am

North Regional Library (North Meeting Room - Full Room)

Come join Ms. Chelsea for playtime! Spend Tuesday morning enjoying songs, bubbles, and building blocks! 

Ages: Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Tuesday Morning Craft @ Southwest Regional

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 10:45am - 11:15am

Southwest Regional Library (Southwest Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Join us for a Morning Craft Time as we get creative, work on our motor skills and make new friends. Supplies provided....

Ages: Kindergarten, Pre-School

Registration required

Small Business Center: Ask Us!

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 10:00am - 11:30am

Main Library (Meeting Room #4311)

Need some assistance figuring out a path to entrepreneurship? Interested in finding out more about our online business resources? Need some help navigating databases? Get some assistance from staff of the Library's Small Business Center. ...

Ages: Adult, Intergenerational

Sing and Sign Storytime

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 1:30pm - 2:30pm

North Regional Library (North Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Please join Jess Kelly, owner of Signs of Learning, for "Sing and Sign Storytime"!  During this program, parents/caregivers and their little ones (ages 0-24 months) will learn and practice American Sign Language through fun songs,...

Ages: Baby, Toddler

Registration full. Join the waitlist >

This Week In the Lab: LEGOs

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 • 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Main Library

Join the STEAM Team in the Innovation Lab during specified open hours for the chance to create your own LEGO creation!...

Ages: Adult, Elementary School, Emerging Adult: 18-24 Year Olds, High School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Middle School, Pre-School, Senior Citizen, Teen, Toddler, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds, DPS

Check for more events like this > or See all events

Featured online resources

Brainfuse HelpNow

Free online tutoring, help with writing assignments, and more.

Help and more info for Brainfuse HelpNow

Just for Kids Access Video

Kids’ shows, with favorites like Sesame Street, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, and more.

NCpedia

Info about North Carolina history, people, government, and educational institutions.

More online resources for kids >

Accounts and access

Library cards

No one is too young or old to get a library card! Kids from 0 to 17 can check out items, use computers, and more with a juvenile card. A parent or guardian must be present to sign up for the card.

For Durham Public Schools students – Bull City, NC SLAM

Durham Public Schools students can also check out items through the Bull City, NC SLAM program. No sign-up is required: students already have a SLAM ID unless you’ve opted out of the program – it’s the same as your student ID or PowerSchool number. You can use your SLAM IDs for checking out books, using library resources online, and more. Learn more about how Bull City, NC SLAM works.

Online storytimes

Join our awesome children’s librarians as they share some of their favorite stories!
More online programming: Online storytime playlist Toddler Tuesday Wacky Wednesday Bilingual Thursday

Meet the children’s librarians

Laurel reading "Rabbit's Gift" during storytime

Ms. Laurel

Location: Main Library

Laurel has an M.L.S. in library science from North Carolina Central, which she obtained in 1995. She has worked in two different library systems in NC since then. She has always liked reading, and this profession was a good way to combine a liking for working with children with the above. Laurel’s favorite genres are romance, science fiction, and culinary mysteries. She likes traveling and writing, as well as reading.

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >