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!

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm

Main Library (Main Children's Programming Room)

Come join us for afternoon stories, hand rhymes and bubbles!  This 30-minute storytime is designed for infants to 23 months, with colorful stories and playthings to draw their attention. Quick stories and bubbles make it a fun time for all!

Ages: Baby, Intergenerational

Kids Game Day

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd) (Southwest Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Unwind with some games & meet new friends!  Drop in anytime from 4-5 in the children's program room - we'll have board games, cards, and puzzles available to use. Open to children of all ages. 

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

Small Business Center: Ask Us!

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Main Library (Meeting Room #4311)

Need some assistance figuring out a path to entrepreneurship? Interested in finding out more about our online business resources? Need some help navigating databases? Get some assistance from staff of the Library's Small Business Center. ...

Ages: Adult, Intergenerational

This Week In the Lab: Makedo Kit

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Main Library

Join the Maker + STEAM Team in the Innovation Lab during specified open hours to explore cardboard construction with makedo kits! Engineer new creations with reusable materials and tools safe for all ages. ...

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

Bitmoji Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • All day

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

Want to win a free prize? Pick up a scavenger hunt at the information desk and find all the pictures in our children's area! Happy hunting! 

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

Fruits & Veggies Scavenger Hunt @ Southwest

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • All day

Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd) (Southwest Regional - Children's Area)

Summer produce is in full swing here in North Carolina! Perhaps you have visited a farmers market recently or have a garden in your community that you get produce from. Or, maybe you're still learning to love fruits & veggies. Either...

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

HEAD 2 HEAD: Kidz Poll

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • All day

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave) (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 adventure film: Spy Kids or Dora and The Lost City of Gold? Let us know!...

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

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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

East Regional children's manager Diamond petting one of the equine stars of East Regional's Storytime with Horses

Ms. Diamond

Location: East Regional Library

Diamond is the Children’s Services Manager at East Regional Library. A lover of libraries from the start, she could always be found in the library assisting the librarians as far back as her elementary school days! Since then, she has worked her way up through every level in the public library – starting as a Teen Volunteer, a Library Page, Children’s Services Library Assistant, Children’s Librarian, and now Children’s Services Manager. Though the majority of her work experience has been in the public library, she also has experience working in academic libraries of all levels: as a library assistant in her high school library, a library intern in her college library while pursuing her undergraduate degree, and as a graduate assistant in her university library. Though she enjoyed working in an academic library setting, children’s services in a public library is where her heart lies. She is passionate about placing books into the hands of small children to promote literacy from an early age. When not at work, she enjoys visiting farmers’ markets, taking yoga classes, and spending time reading in local coffee shops.

Meet all the children’s librarians >