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

Homeschool Learning Lab:

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 10:00am - 11:00am

North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd)

Homeschool Learning Lab is a weekly program that offers engaging enrichment lessons created just for homeschoolers. Come join us each week to learn, explore, and connect with other homeschooling families in Durham!...

Ages: Elementary School

Baby Time

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Join our circle for a lapsit storytime of activities including bouncing rhymes, baby cuddling, songs and fingerplays. This is an excellent opportunity to join in a group activity and share a fun experience with other parents/caregivers. Ages...

Ages: Baby, Toddler

Registration required

Bilingual Storytime

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

Stanford L. Warren Branch Library (1201 Fayetteville St) (SLW Meeting Room - Side 1)

We will read stories in English and Spanish, sing songs, dance, and have so much fun! Every Second and Fourth Thursday of the month at 10:30am & 4:30pm

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Liv and Sing!

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

Southwest Regional Library (3605 Shannon Rd) (Southwest Meeting Room)

Ms. Olivia invites you to lively, assorted music, sit-down moments, energetic dancing and closing scarf-movement. All ages welcome.

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Preschool Process Art: Winter Art Collage

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 11:15am - 11:45am

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

Children ages 2-5 are invited to join Ms. Kristen and get creative! Process art is child-directed and embraces the process of creating, rather than the end result. ...

Ages: Kindergarten, Pre-School

Registration full.

Playtime Pals

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 11:00am - 12:00pm

East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane) (East Regional - Children's Programming Room)

Drop in for free play on Thursday mornings from 11 am- noon. Come socialize with other caregivers while your kiddos play! 

Ages: Baby, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

This Week In the Lab: Ozobots

Thursday, January 08, 2026 • 10:00am - 2:00pm

Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St)

Join the Maker + STEAM Team in the Innovation Lab during specified open hours to discover the power of robotics thorugh color! Code our special color sensing Ozobots by drawing directly onto the page, or dive deep into the basics of block coding...

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

Staff picks

In Memoriam: James Ransone (1979-2025)

"James Ransone, the prolific character actor and star of series like _The Wire_ and films like _Sinister_ and _It Chapter Two_, died on Dec. 19 at the age of 46....

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

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

Donielle, children's librarian at Southwest Regional, dressed as Wonder Woman

Donielle

Location: South Regional Library

In 2006, Donielle started working for Wake County Public Libraries when she was 16 years old. She began her work experience as a page and held that role for 15 years. In order to increase her library knowledge, she attended ECU and received her MLS. Donielle is also proud to say that she’s a certified librarian! While working as a page, she was also a library assistant in Franklin County. Now she’s a children’s librarian, which is the role she always wanted! She feels really grateful for being a part of the Durham family.

Meet all the children’s librarians >