All library locations and services will be closed Monday, 9/1, for Labor Day.
The bookmobile is off the road today. More info >

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

Children's Programming Break at East Regional

Saturday, August 30, 2025 • All day

East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane)

Hello there!  There will be no traditional storytimes or programs at East Regional August 15-31. All regular children's programs will resume September 2.  See you in the library! 

Ages: Baby, Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

HEAD 2 HEAD: Kidz Movie Poll

Saturday, August 30, 2025 • All day

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave) (South Regional - Children's Area)

It's time to vote!! A kid's voting station has been set up in the children's area at the South Regional Library. Which is your favorite Disney film: A Bug's Life (1998) or Toy Story (1995)? Let us know!...

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Pets Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, August 30, 2025 • All day

North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd)

The North Regional Library staff adore their pets! Can you spot their furry (or scaly!) friends hidden in the Children’s Area? See if you can match each pet to its fun fact! Return your scavenger hunt to the Information Desk for a prize! 

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School

Really Big Sweets and Treats Scavenger Hunt

Saturday, August 30, 2025 • All day

Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd) (Southwest Regional - Children's Area)

Ten of the largest desserts and treats ever made according to the Guinness World Records are hidden in the Southwest Regional's Children's Area. Get a check list at the Children's Desk, find them all, and receive a small prize....

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

HEAD 2 HEAD: Kidz Movie Poll

Sunday, August 31, 2025 • All day

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave) (South Regional - Children's Area)

It's time to vote!! A kid's voting station has been set up in the children's area at the South Regional Library. Which is your favorite Disney film: A Bug's Life (1998) or Toy Story (1995)? Let us know!...

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

CANCELLED: Preschool Storytime

Monday, September 01, 2025 • 10:30am - 11:00am

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave) (South Meeting Room)

All of our libraries will be closed for Labor Day; therefore, this storytime session is cancelled. This program will continue on Monday, September 8th at 10:30am. 

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Check for more events like this > or See all events

Staff picks

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Like the classic series Junie B Jones, these beginner chapter books are all about GIRLS! This list is targeted towards kiddos ages 5-9, or for those who want shorter chapter books featuring illustrations and doodles.

Dogs, and Dogs, and Dogs, Oh My!

On August 26th every year, National Dog Day is celebrated in the United States! Do you have a dog at home? Whether you do or don't, you may enjoy these books!...

Storytime: The Color Green

Reading picture books about the color green helps children build vocabulary and color recognition while connecting to the world around them. Talking about green things they...

Featured online resources

Brainfuse HelpNow

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

Help and more info for Brainfuse HelpNow

Gale in Context: Elementary

Just for elementary students: search for info on current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports, and more. Includes easy-to-understand articles from over 100 kids' magazines, newspapers, and reference books.

Help and more info for Gale in Context: Elementary

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.

Meet the children’s librarians

Children's librarian Iris

Iris

Location: East Regional Library

Iris is a retired Health Educator with the State of North Carolina, serving the public for 34 years. She is an NCSU Emeritus professor and a native of Durham, NC. She is now happily continuing to serve North Carolina citizens in her part-time retirement position as Children’s Library Assistant with the East Regional Library.

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >