For Kids
Programs for Every Age
There’s always something happening for kids at the library! Each month we offer dynamic programs for every age group—from babies and toddlers to elementary schoolers. Literacy infused programs, hands-on activities, and special events are designed to make learning and reading fun. Because our programs are so popular, days and times vary, and many of them require registration in advance to save your spot.
You can always check what’s coming up and register online using our Events Page or grab a newsletter on your next library visit!
More Than Just Books
The library has so much more for kids to discover beyond our shelves. Families can explore Wonderbooks that read along with your child, Launchpad tablets filled with educational games and activities, Active Reader Kits designed especially for preschoolers to build kindergarten readiness skills, and even a selection of board games and DVDs to enjoy together at home. With a grown-up’s library card, families can also explore our Library of Things, which includes photography and recording equipment, headphones, outdoor games, boomboxes, and more.
Find What You Need
Our catalog makes it easy to search for and request materials.
And if there’s ever a book or item we don’t have here in Clayton, place a hold with your library card and we will deliver it to the Clayton Library from another NC Cardinal library for you to borrow.
Don’t forget—we also offer e-materials for kids that are available instantly through the Libby App and the NC Kids Digital Library. Families can access eBooks, e-audiobooks, and read-alongs right from their devices. NC Kids even has a special NC Kids: Level Up collection, curated just for 4th–8th graders. Parents can feel confident adding these kid-focused libraries to their child’s device knowing that the materials are curated especially for young readers. NC Kids Digital Library
For kids pre-K through 4th grade, this digital library provides eBooks and eAudio to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app.
Limited to five (5) checkouts at a time.NC Kids Level Up
For kids 4th grade through 8th grade, this digital library provides eBooks and eAudio to read on your phone or tablet using the Libby app.
Limited to three (3) checkouts at a time.
Learning Resources
In addition to programs and collections, the library also offers a variety of learning resources that support kids in reading, schoolwork, and creative exploration. These trusted tools are available for free with your library card. Be sure to check out the resources below to see how your child can learn, play, and grow with the library.
- North Carolina Elementary Battle Of The Books - This site lists each year's Battle of the Books lists.
- Find these items in our catalog: Elementary Battle of the Books or Middle School Battle of the Books
- Children's Book Read-Alikes (ACL) - Find read-alikes for children's literature by author, title, or topic.
- NoveList Plus - Provided through NC Live. Browse titles by genre or age group. Also see title read-a-likes.
- Animal Profiles Archives - Find educational guides that can serve as a useful reference or as "homework help" for any students out there.
- TedEd - is TED's youth and education initiative which aims to spark and celebrate your child's ideas.
- IPL Kidspace - Tons of helpful and entertaining web resources.
- Explora - Articles, books, and videos for K-12.
- NCPedia - Information about the state, its history, people, government, and educational institutions.
- Encyclopedia.com - Has more than 100 trusted sources, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and thesauruses with facts, definitions, biographies, synonyms, pronunciation keys, word origins, and abbreviations.
- Fact Monster Dictionary - Definitions of thousands of words and games and links for word lovers.
- Fact Monster Encyclopedia - Access articles from the Columbia Encyclopedia.
- Free Dictionary - A dictionary containing over 260,000 entries, the main source being American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
- Merriam-Webster World Central - Look up words in the student dictionary, build your own dictionary, read about the daily buzzword, and play games.
- The Carnegie Cyber Academy - Tips for kids and parents on internet safety as well as an interactive educational game, Carnegie Cadets!
- FBI - Kids Safety - An interactive tutorial for students by the FBI; ideal tool to incorporate into internet safety education.
- GetNetWise - Online safety guide, tools for families, ways to report trouble, and websites for kids.
- Online Tools For Parents And Children - Lists several sites to help you navigate the Internet with your child
- SafeKids - Rules for online safety, guidelines for parents, and information about filtering software.
- Connect Safely - This site is dedicated to educating users of connected technology about safety, privacy and security. Here you'll find research-based safety tips, parents' guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy.
- ALA Great Websites For Kids - Guidelines to follow on how to keep safe while using the internet.
- A Family's Guide to Website and Social Media Safety - Lists of sites discussing internet and social media safety.