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

Family Storytime @ Southwest Regional

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 10:30am - 11:00am

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

Join us for a Saturday morning Family Storytime that will include stories, fingerplays and interactive songs!...

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

Multi-Sensory Environment Open House

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 10:30am - 11:30am

Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St) (Multi Sensory Environment)

Check out Main Library's Multi-Sensory Environment! Drop in, try out the equipment, and learn more about what our sensory space offers....

Ages: Adult, Baby, 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

Kids Flicks: Inside Out 2

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 11:00am - 12:30pm

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

Join all your friends at the library for a movie and a snack during our break from storytimes!

Ages: Kindergarten, Pre-School, Toddler

Registration required

KIDZ MOVIE MADNESS

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 11:00am - 12:30pm

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

Please join our movie event where we will watch The Emperor's New Groove (a 25-year-old Disney classic). Popcorn and juice will be provided! Please register before attending. 

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

Registration required

This Week In the Lab: Makedo Kit

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 11:00am - 1:00pm

Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St)

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

Puzzle Swap @ Southwest

Saturday, April 26, 2025 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm

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

Join us in partnership with Bull City Puzzle Swap for a spring Puzzle Swap! All ages welcome. ...

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

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

South Regional children's manager Joel by the pool

Mr. Joel

Location: South Regional Library

Mr. Joel really enjoys working with children. He has been working in Durham County since 2009 and loves the culture of Durham. Music has always been an important part of his life, and he loves to share wonderful songs with children through movement and dance. He plays saxophone with the “One Sound” R&B band and has released 8 original songs with the band “Woodyhill.” Come and check out his Funtime Storytime program to see for yourself.

Pronouns: he/him

Meet all the children’s librarians >