The Innovation Lab at Main Library will be closed on Tuesday, August 12th and Wednesday, August, 13th for maintenance and staff meetings.

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

Fun Time with Mr. Joel

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Please join Mr. Joel's fun time where there will be stories, songs, fingerplays, puppets, movement and more. Registration is requested!

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

Play and Explore

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • 11:00am - 11:30am

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave)

Let the children play while you chat and compare notes with other parents and caregivers. This program promotes interactive play among children and encourages them to share toys and bond with others. The program takes place outdoors when the weather...

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

3D Printing Orientation Part 2 (virtual)

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Virtual

Learn how to 3D print from idea to design to fabrication! In this two part orientation series, you will learn how to design and 3D print your own ideas....

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

Registration required

Reading & Phonics Time with Ms. Chloe

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St) (Main Library - Children's Area)

Does your child need more reading practice and could benefit from more reading aloud time? Or are they just learning phonics sounds and need more practice to build blending skills? Then this program is for them! Schedule a 20-minute session for your...

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

Bookmobile Stop: Durham Farmers Market

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Offsite

Our library-on-wheels serves local neighborhoods, shopping centers, and other community locations. We're open to all so check out our schedule to visit any of our many stops throughout Durham County. We have titles for children, teens, and...

Ages: Adult, Baby, 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

Dungeons & Dragons Community Campaign for LGBTQIA+ Youth @ Southwest Regional

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm

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

Join Rainbow Collective for Change and community partner - Emma Scaggs (they/she) - for a 4-week Dungeons & Dragons Community Campaign for youth ages 8-14 who are LGBTQIA+ or have LGBTQIA+ caregivers. The Dungeons & Dragons...

Ages: Elementary School, Middle School, Teen, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds

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

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

Ms. Olivia in her chef's hat, ready to whip up some fun

Ms. Olivia

Location: Southwest Regional Library

Since the summer of 2014, Ms. Olivia has assisted in Children’s Services. She can’t believe that she gets paid telling stories! She can’t believe that she gets paid to sing and dance with children and adults! She can’t believe how much fun she has at DCo Library — and she gets paid!

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >