Mobile printing is down at the Main Library.
Automated phone renewals are now available by calling 919-680-2524 and logging in with your library card number and PIN.

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

Summer Reading Finale :Firetruck Visit

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 10:00am - 11:00am

North Regional Library

Celebrate the end of Summer Reading at North Regional Library. Drop off your trackers, visit the firetruck, and enjoy a cold freeze pop. ...

Ages: Elementary School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Pre-School, DPS

CANCELLED: Family Storytime

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Our Saturday storytime is cancelled until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your interest in the South Regional Library. 

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Family Storytime

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:00am

Main Library

Come join us for a fun-filled storytime for the whole family with lots of singing, dancing, playing, and reading.

Ages: Adult, Baby, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler, DPS

Family Storytime @ Southwest Regional

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 10:30am - 11:00am

Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd) (Southwest Meeting Room - Full Room)

Join us for a Saturday morning Family Storytime that will include stories, fingerplays and interactive songs!...

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

Fired Up: Prescribed Burning and the Natural Role of Fire

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 10:00am - 11:30am

Main Library (Main Library - MakerLab)

Join wildland fire management staff from NC State Cooperative Extension to learn what wildland fire management is, fire ecology, why prescribed burns are helpful, and concludes with a controlled burn demonstration outside! The program will...

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

Registration required

Family Fables & Fun (Storytime)

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 11:00am - 11:45am

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

Bring the whole family to enjoy interactive stories, action songs, and finger plays, all while spending time with other little ones within your community!  Intended ages: 0-5 years old

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

Registration required

Fired Up Junior: Matchstick Forest

Saturday, July 27, 2024 • 11:30am - 12:15pm

Main Library (Main Library - Outdoors - Amphitheatre)

Along with NC State Cooperative Extension staff, this program will offer two activities for younger patrons and intergenerational age groups to explore how fire spreads in forests of varying densities through a matchstick forest demo, plus a hands-on...

Ages: Adult, Elementary School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Middle School, Pre-School, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

Registration required

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

East Regional children's manager Diamond petting one of the equine stars of East Regional's Storytime with Horses

Ms. Diamond

Location: East Regional Library

Diamond is the Children’s Services Manager at East Regional Library. A lover of libraries from the start, she could always be found in the library assisting the librarians as far back as her elementary school days! Since then, she has worked her way up through every level in the public library – starting as a Teen Volunteer, a Library Page, Children’s Services Library Assistant, Children’s Librarian, and now Children’s Services Manager. Though the majority of her work experience has been in the public library, she also has experience working in academic libraries of all levels: as a library assistant in her high school library, a library intern in her college library while pursuing her undergraduate degree, and as a graduate assistant in her university library. Though she enjoyed working in an academic library setting, children’s services in a public library is where her heart lies. She is passionate about placing books into the hands of small children to promote literacy from an early age. When not at work, she enjoys visiting farmers’ markets, taking yoga classes, and spending time reading in local coffee shops.

Meet all the children’s librarians >