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All library locations and services will be closed Wednesday, December 24, through Friday, December 26, for the winter holiday.

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

Children's Take and Make Crafts: Winter Holiday Edition

Sunday, December 21, 2025 • All day

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

Are you in the mood to make holiday crafts? If so, please pick up these activities at the South Regional Library! We have Santa, The Grinch, some reindeer, elves, and the gingerbread man! More craft activities will be included. This take and make...

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

CANCELLED: Preschool Storytime

Monday, December 22, 2025 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

The South Regional Library will take a two-week break from children's programs; therefore, this storytime session is canceled. Preschool Storytime will continue on Monday, January 5th at 10:30am. Happy Holidays! 

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show

Monday, December 22, 2025 • 10:00am - 12:30pm

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

All aboard and welcome to the train show! This exhibit is brought to us by Little WORLD Charity, a 100% volunteer effort....

Ages: Adult, Baby, Elementary School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Middle School, Pre-School, Senior Citizen, Toddler, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds, DPS

Little WORLD Charity Holiday Model Train Show

Monday, December 22, 2025 • 1:30pm - 5:00pm

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

All aboard and welcome to the train show! This exhibit is brought to us by Little WORLD Charity, a 100% volunteer effort....

Ages: Adult, Baby, Elementary School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Middle School, Pre-School, Senior Citizen, Toddler, Tweens: 9-12 Year Olds, DPS

Game On: Nintendo Switch Fun at Bragtown

Monday, December 22, 2025 • 3:00pm - 5:30pm

Bragtown Branch Library (3200 Dearborn Dr)

Join us at the Bragtown Branch Library for daily gaming  for tweens and teens! Dive into the world of Nintendo Switch with an array of exciting games available for play. Challenge your friends, explore new worlds, and level up your...

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

Christmas Movies @ SLW

Monday, December 22, 2025 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Stanford L. Warren Branch Library (1201 Fayetteville St) (SLW Meeting Room - Full Room)

Join us with the whole family at Stanford L. Warren Branch Library to watch some Christmas Classics!...

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

Registration required

Check for more events like this > or See all events

Staff picks

New Year, New Books

Be one of the first people to place a hold on these upcoming 2026 Picture Books!

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

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 the “One Sound” R&B band and has released 8 original songs with the band “Woodyhill.” Come and check out his Funtime Storytime program to see for yourself.

Pronouns: he/him

Meet all the children’s librarians >