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

Black History Month Coloring & Activity Sheets @Bragtown

Friday, February 21, 2025 • All day

Bragtown Branch Library (3200 Dearborn Dr)

Celebrate Black History Month with us at Bragtown Branch Library! Stop by during library hours throughout February to pick up free Black History-themed coloring and activity sheets. Learn, color, and explore the rich history and contributions of...

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

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt @ North

Friday, February 21, 2025 • All day

North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd)

Celebrate Black History Month with a fun and educational scavenger hunt!...

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt @ Southwest

Friday, February 21, 2025 • All day

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

Let’s celebrate Black History Month by giving some AWESOME authors their flowers! For this month’s scavenger hunt, we’ve hidden pictures of 10 Black authors throughout the children’s area @ Southwest Regional... Can you find...

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

Children's Super Mario Take and Make Crafts

Friday, February 21, 2025 • All day

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

Attention, Super Mario fans! Stop by the South Regional Library to pick up crafts that you can take home with you. We have Super Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Yoshi, and Shy Guy! These crafts are in the easy reader section of our children's...

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

February is Library Lover's Month! Make Your Own Bookmark in the Teen Room!

Friday, February 21, 2025 • All day

East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane) (East Regional - Teen Area)

Visit the Teen Room at East Regional Library and color a bookmark of your choice in honor of Library Lover's Month!    

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

Winter Reading Challenge at East Regional

Friday, February 21, 2025 • All day

East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane)

Drop by the East Regional Library to pick up a card for winter reading and win a prize! Open to ages 0-12! Return this sheet to the East Regional Library when you complete the challenge to pick up your prize! 

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

Pieces of Durham We Love

Saturday, February 22, 2025 • 9:30am - 6:00pm

Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St)

Join us for a fun program were you write a note or create a drawings that capture what they love most about Durham. Whether it’s the charming local cafes, the vibrant street art, the friendly neighbors, or the beautiful parks, this is...

Ages: Adult, Emerging Adult: 18-24 Year Olds, Intergenerational, Senior Citizen

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

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

North Regional Library children's librarian Lauren.

Lauren

Location: North Regional Library

Originally from Virginia, Lauren and her family have called Durham home for over ten years. After earning her MLS from UNC Chapel Hill in 2020, Lauren has worked in Youth Services at various public libraries in the surrounding area. From the moment she shifted her career to librarianship, Lauren knew she wanted to focus on young children. With previous experience in early childhood education, she deeply understands the importance of fostering early literacy skills. As a mom of two children under six, Lauren lives and breathes all things childhood development and early learning. Come visit her at North to experience her passion for programming through Storytime, Book Babies, or Elementary Explorers!

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >