Public computers, printing, and copying will be unavailable at Southwest Regional Library on Tuesday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 29, due to maintenance.
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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

Dinosaur Duel: Melee in the Mesozoic!

Sunday, July 26, 2026 • All day

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave)

Whether you're the Iguanadons biggest fan or a die hard T-Rex supporter, vote for your favorite dinosaurs in our March-Madness style showdown. Be sure to vote every week for your favorites! Each time you vote you earn a chance to win a Dinosaur...

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

Donut Stop Me Now: Donut Crawl

Sunday, July 26, 2026 • All day

Offsite

Get out in your local community and eat some great donuts (and other treats) this summer!...

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

Baby Bookworms (Lapsit Storytime)

Monday, July 27, 2026 • 10:00am - 10:30am

East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane) (East Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Caregivers and their infants can enjoy this lapsit-style storytime program filled with fingerplays, stories, and songs focused on early literacy. Come meet other caregivers of little ones in the area while you spend time with your little one....

Ages: Baby

Registration full. Join the waitlist >

Cuentos en Español!

Monday, July 27, 2026 • 10:00am - 10:30am

Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St) (Main Children's Programming Room)

...

Ages: Baby, Pre-School, Toddler

Mini Makers Workshop

Monday, July 27, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd) (North Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Come craft with Ms.Chelsea on Mondays! We will create and laugh the morning away here at North Regional!...

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Toddler, DPS

Registration required

Preschool Storytime

Monday, July 27, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Join us for our Monday storytime where there will be stories, songs, movement, and more! Participation is encouraged! Registration is required. 

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

Silly Stories with Ms. Olivia

Monday, July 27, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Spend your Monday morning with Ms. Olivia and a fun story. Music and silliness are added attractions!   Registration is no longer required for this event. Questions? Please call the Children's Desk at 919-560-8592.

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

Check for more events like this > or See all events

Staff picks

Toddler Books

This list is a catalog companion to our paper booklist for recommended Toddler Books at Southwest!

Unearth a Story: Picture Books about Diggers

This booklist celebrates all the incredible machines and amazing animals that move earth, build worlds, and burrow beneath our feet. These picture books highlight the creatures and...

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.

Meet the children’s librarians

Natalia in front of a reflective pond with flowering tree branches overhead.

Ms. Natalia

Location: Stanford L. Warren Branch Library

Ms. Natalia comes from the Island of Enchantment, where she lived all her life until Durham welcomed her as her new home. She got her MLIS from the University of Puerto Rico in 2020. She has always loved helping people and learning new things, and she saw the library as a perfect place to combine both things. She loves to bake, travel, dance with her husband and son, and will try to read as much as she can. She loves YA books and picture books like Across the Bay by Carlos Aponte. Her favorite place in Durham County Library is the Multi Sensory Environment at the Main Library. See you at the library! Te veo en la biblioteca!

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >