Library locations may experience intermittent network outages - including internet, phones, and printing - on Saturday, April 20, due to scheduled maintenance.
Behind-the-scenes software update - you can now log in to the online catalog, view your account, and place holds. Phone renewals are not available yet - for now, you can renew online or by contacting us.

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

April Scavenger Hunt

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • All day

North Regional Library

Can you locate the different Types of Native North Carolina Flowers with the correct name in the children’s area? Write the name you find with under the correct picture. Return your scavenger hunt for a prize! Don’t forget the front and...

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

Children's Programming Break at East Regional

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • All day

East Regional Library

Hello there!  There will be no traditional storytimes or programs at East Regional  April 15-30. All regular children's programs will resume May 1.  See you in the library! 

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

Earth Day Scavenger Hunt at Southwest!

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • All day

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

Earth Day is on Monday, April 22nd - but we can celebrate & love our Earth every day!  Search the children's area to learn about 10 amazing Earth facts! Stop by the Children's Desk to learn more and get started. 

Ages: Elementary School, Intergenerational, Kindergarten, Pre-School

HEAD 2 HEAD: Kidz Poll

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • 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 film based on a book: The Lorax or Coudy with a Chance of Meatballs? Let us know!...

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

Kids Spring Reading Challenge

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • All day

South Regional Library

Get reading this Spring. We have set 8 reading challenges and give you 9 weeks to complete as many of them as you wish. For every two you complete you win a small prize!  Stop by the South Regional Library to pick up your entry...

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

Poetry On Display at East Regional Library

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • All day

East Regional Library

Plan a visit to East Regional Library for a National Poetry Month display! Community poems will be displayed throughout the library for the entire month of April. Come see how creative your fellow Durhamites are! 

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

Umbrella Scavenger Hunt at East Regional

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 • All day

East Regional Library

Pick up a clue sheet and find all of the umbrellas hidden on the children's side of the library to win a prize! 

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School

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

Laurel reading "Rabbit's Gift" during storytime

Ms. Laurel

Location: Main Library

Laurel has an M.L.S. in library science from North Carolina Central, which she obtained in 1995. She has worked in two different library systems in NC since then. She has always liked reading, and this profession was a good way to combine a liking for working with children with the above. Laurel’s favorite genres are romance, science fiction, and culinary mysteries. She likes traveling and writing, as well as reading.

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >