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 Scavenger Hunt @ North Regional Library: National Soup Month!

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 • All day

North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd)

Visit the Information Desk at North Regional Library to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet. Then, explore the Children's Area to find 10 hidden pictures of soup ingredients.  Once you've completed the hunt and filled out your sheet, return...

Ages: Elementary School, Kindergarten, Pre-School

Sandra Boynton Scavenger Hunt at Southwest Regional

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 • All day

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

To celebrate the witty author and illustrator, Sandra Boynton, ten of her unique characters are hidden in the Southwest Regional Children's Area. Check-off slips are available at the Children's Desk. Find them all and win a prize.  

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

Winter Reading Challenge at East Regional

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 • 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 your completed sheet to the East Regional Library when you complete the challenge to pick up your prize! 

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

Babies & Bubbles: Lapsit Storytime

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 • 9:45am - 10:15am

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

Babies (ages 0-24 months) and their caregivers are welcome to join Ms. Natalie on Wednesday mornings for a lapsit storytime consisting of bounces, fingerplays, songs, stories, open-ended play, and bubbles!...

Ages: Baby, Toddler

Fun Time with Mr. Joel

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Please join Mr. Joel's fun time where there will be stories, songs, fingerplays, puppets, movement and more. Registration is requested!

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

Storytime with Ms. Lauren

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 • 10:30am - 11:00am

North Regional Library (221 Milton Rd) (North Meeting Room - Full Room)

Please join us for a storytime designed to promote early literacy skills through interactive stories, songs, games, and other fun activities!  While content is geared toward preschoolers (ages 3-5 years), all are welcome to join in on the...

Ages: Baby, Pre-School, Toddler

Play and Explore

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 • 11:00am - 11:30am

South Regional Library (4505 S. Alston Ave)

Let the children play while you chat and compare notes with other parents and caregivers. This program promotes interactive play among children and encourages them to share toys and bond with others. The program takes place outdoors when the weather...

Ages: Baby, Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

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

Ms. Teresa dancing with the kids during Toddler Storytime

Ms. Teresa

Location: East Regional Library

Teresa grew up in a small mountain town where it usually snows about six months out of the year, and because of this, the local bookstore and library were her happy places. These places taught her at a young age how literature can serve a community and how books can change lives. She has always wanted to be surrounded by books, and she enjoys helping people, so she decided to make librarianship her career. Teresa is the Children’s Librarian for the East Regional Library. She loves picture books, and some of her favorites are The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield; You Matter by Christian Robinson; and Whose Moon is That? by Kim Krans. Teresa’s all-time favorite children’s book character is Ramona Quimby, from the Beverly Cleary books, because of Ramona’s whimsy and creativity. Aside from reading, Teresa enjoys writing, travel, gardening, and making arts and crafts in her spare time.

Pronouns: she/her

Meet all the children’s librarians >