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

Baby and Me Lapsit Time!

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • 10:30am - 11:00am

Main Library (Main Library - Children's Area)

Come join us for stories, music, hand rhymes, bubbles and lots of fun! This 30-minute storytime at the Main Library is designed for infants to 23 months with colorful stories, happy songs, and playthings to hold their attention. Children are treated...

Ages: Baby, Intergenerational

Storytime with Ms. Chelsea

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • 10:30am - 11:00am

North Regional Library (North Meeting Room - Full Room)

Come join Ms. Chelsea for storytime! Spend Tuesday morning enjoying books, bubbles, and building blocks! 

Ages: Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Bug Scavenger Hunt @ Southwest!

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • All day

Southwest Regional Library (Southwest Regional - Children's Area)

Help! There are 10 pictures of bugs hidden in the children's section of the library.  We need your help to round them up!  Swing by the Southwest Regional Library to pick up a slip and get started.

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

HEAD 2 HEAD: Kidz Poll

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • All day

South Regional Library (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 DreamWorks movie: The Boss Baby (2017) or Turbo (2013)? Let us know!...

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

Spring Scavenger Hunt at East Regional

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • All day

East Regional Library

Find all 10 sunflowers hidden on the children's side and you'll get to pick a prize from the treasure chest! 

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School

STEAM Take and Make: Build Your Own Glider Launcher

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • All day

Main Library

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

This Week In the Lab: LEGOs

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 • All day

Main Library

Join the STEAM Team in the Innovation Lab during specified open hours for the chance to create your own LEGO creation!...

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

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

South Regional children's manager Joel by the pool

Mr. Joel

Location: South Regional Library

Mr. Joel really enjoys working with children. He has been working in Durham County since 2009 and loves the culture of Durham. Music has always been an important part of his life, and he loves to share wonderful songs with children through movement and dance. He plays saxophone with a blues band that actually allows him to sing a little. Come and check out his Funtime Storytime program to see for yourself.

Pronouns: he/him

Meet all the children’s librarians >