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:
- Try out robots and other cool maker technology
- Explore in special sensory spaces
- Get messy at craft programs
- Build a masterpiece with LEGOs
- Check out a bilingual storytime
- Get personalized reading recommendations for any age
…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!
Early literacy
Parents and other significant caregivers are a child’s first and best teachers. Learn how to help children develop early literacy skills beginning at birth so that they are ready to learn once they begin school.
Staff picks
First day of school is on its way!
Here are some of our favorite books about the first day of school for kiddos who may be entering school for the first time!
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 HelpNowNC Kids Digital Library
Ebooks and e-audiobooks for kids!
Help and more info for NC Kids Digital LibraryJust 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.
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. Chelsea
Location: North Regional Library
Ms. Chelsea moved to Chapel Hill, NC after living in Georgia her whole life! She grew up with her 6 younger siblings! With so many people in one house, Ms. Chelsea always loved the quiet trips to the libraries where she could be anyone she wanted to be. She could be a knight who fights dragons or a scientist who does tons of experiments to help make the world a better place. Though Ms. Chelsea got a bachelor's degree in psychology, she realized that her true passion was advocating for literacy and getting as many books into the hands of young minds as she could! Ms. Chelsea worked as a reference librarian while working on her bachelor's, which is where she truly learned how serving your local community could change the lives of so many and just how rewarding it was. She moved to Chapel Hill in July of 2021 to begin working on her master's in library science with a focus in children and teens. This is still a work in progress! She has been with North Regional Library since May 2022, and she absolutely loves hanging out with all the children while they do crafts together or play with bubbles at her storytime! You can catch Ms. Chelsea reading books, watching crime shows, listening to K-pop, cuddling with her cats, or playing Fortnite! Ms. Chelsea is always looking for anime recommendations or a cool new place to see in Durham!
Pronouns: she/her
