The Dexter District Library offers a variety of youth programs including Story Times, book clubs, STEM events, and craft programs. Some programs may require registration. Please read the program description carefully when registering for an event.
Winter Reading Bingo Challenge
Monday, December 15 – Thursday, January 15
Youth and Teens
Registration on Beanstack required
Youth and Teens can complete a variety of reading challenges on Beanstack this December. Sign up on the Beanstack web site or app starting on Monday, December 15. Read different kinds of books and do activities to receive badges. Need help selecting books? Find our lists in Beanstack or on our web site. Complete 5 activity badges in a row to get a bingo and win a small prize, then complete all 25 badges to fill your bingo card and get a free book. Prizes will be available for pickup starting on Monday, December 22. Prizes will be available for pickup until Friday, January 30.
WINTER STORY TIMES
Drop-In Story Times at the Library
Mixed-ages Story Time on Monday & Thursday mornings at 11:00 am
Toddler Story Time on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am
Preschool Story Time on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 am
January 12 – February 26
Lower Level Large Meeting Room
No registration required
Mixed-ages Story Time for ages 5 & under will be held on Monday and Thursday mornings at 11:00 am.
Toddler Story Time for children 18 months to 3 years of age will be held on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am.
Preschool Story Time for children 3 to 5 years of age will be held on Tuesday mornings at 11:00 am.
Children under 18 months may attend, however books and activities are geared for toddlers and preschoolers. Infants are welcome at story times with their siblings. Parents or caregivers are required to attend. Each program lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Our story times include picture, pop-up and interactive books, flannel-board stories, songs, puppets, finger plays and other activities that encourage a love of reading.
Registered Small Group Story Times
Toddler Small Group Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am
Preschool Fall Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am
January 14 – February 25
First Floor Youth Program Room
Registration required and begins on Wednesday, December 17
Registration is required for Toddler Small Group Story Time and Preschool Small Group Story Time since space is limited. Parents or caregivers of children may register on our website through our calendar of events or by calling 734-426-4477. Children may only be registered for one 7-week session. Registration will be on a first come first served basis.
Toddler Small Group Story Time for children 18 months to 3 years of age will be held on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am.
Preschool Small Group Story Time for children 3 to 5 years of age will be held on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am.
Children under 18 months may attend, however books and activities are geared for toddlers and preschoolers. Infants are welcome at story times with their siblings. Parents or caregivers are required to attend. Each program lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Our story times include picture, pop-up and interactive books, flannel-board stories, songs, puppets, finger plays and other activities that encourage a love of reading.
DECEMBER
Preschool Makerspace
Tuesday, December 2
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
Make, try, create and play at the Library. Young children will explore a variety of stations with open-ended creative activities designed to encourage early learning. Children need an active adult partner to help them. Registration is not required.
Lego Club
Tuesday, December 2
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Kids in grades K through 8 are invited to spend an afternoon making their own Lego creations while visiting with old friends and making new ones. Everyone is welcome – Legos will be provided by the Library. Registration is not required.
Chess Club
Wednesday, December 3
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, November 5
If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games this fall. Compete in tournament-style play or a casual game and improve your skills. All kids and teens with at least a basic knowledge of chess gameplay are welcome to attend. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club. Registration is required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, December 9
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, November 11
This is a story and craft program for kids transitioning out of story time and into book club. Adults should attend this program with their child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The December theme is Food. Registration is required.
Club Create Book Club
Thursday, December 11
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, November 13
Club Create is an independent book club for first and second graders. Each month Ms. Krista will read longer picture books centered on a theme and the group will participate in activities and crafts related to the theme. The December theme is Gingerbread. Registration is required.
Wacky Winter Science Show
Friday, December 12
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Come have some fun this winter. Watch as a snowman is defrosted right before your eyes, see Jack Frost fill an eight-foot airbag with one icy breath, and be amazed by the mysterious North Pole rock that our wacky scientist discovers. Registration is not required.
Music & Movement with Dancer’s Edge
Wednesday, December 17
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Ages 2 – 5
Drop-In Program
Children ages 2 and up, along with their caregivers, are invited to participate in a special dance class with Jennifer Smith of Dancer’s Edge. Filled with music, playful interaction and movement, this class is designed for the youngest dancers. Get ready to wiggle, jump and move to music. Registration is not required.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, December 18
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, November 20
All Star Readers is an independent book club for third and fourth graders. Each month we will play an icebreaker game, have a book discussion, and do an activity related to the book we discuss. Books will be available to pick up at the library after you register. Our December book is Murray the Viking by Adam Stower. Registration is required.
Drop-in Winter Wonderland Stories & Crafts
Monday, December 22
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Join us for a special family story and craft program featuring the magic of winter. Registration is not required.
Makerspace
Saturday, December 27
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination. Registration is not required.
Drop-in New Year’s Hat & Noisemaker Crafts
Monday, December 29
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Children of all ages and their families are invited to create hats and noisemakers to ring in the New Year. Registration is not required.
KPop Demon Hunters Party
Tuesday, December 30
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 8
Drop-In Program
Party like KPop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey at the Library! Students in grades 3-8 can drop in between 2:00 and 3:00 pm for crafts and activities inspired by this popular movie. Costumes are welcome! Registration is not required.
JANUARY
Drop-in Wish & Treasure Box Craft
Saturday, January 3
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Decorate a small box with paint and other embellishments. You can write your wish for the new year and keep it in the box or store your favorite small treasures inside. Registration is not required.
Lego Club
Monday, January 5
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Kids in grades K through 8 are invited to spend an afternoon making their own Lego creations while visiting with old friends and making new ones. Everyone is welcome – Legos will be provided by the Library. Registration is not required.
Drop-in Preschool Winter Crafts
Wednesday, January 7
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
Celebrate the season by making a variety of snowy winter crafts. Registration is not required.
Chess Club
Wednesday, January 7
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, December 3
If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games this fall. Compete in tournament-style play or a casual game and improve your skills. All kids and teens with at least a basic knowledge of chess gameplay are welcome to attend. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club. Registration is required.
Club Create Book Club
Thursday, January 8
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, December 11
Club Create is an independent book club for first and second graders. Each month Ms. Krista will read longer picture books centered on a theme and the group will participate in activities and crafts related to the theme. The January theme is Winter. Registration is required.
Dexter Dreadbolts Robotics Demonstration
Saturday, January 10
TBD
Grades K – 4
Registration begins Wednesday, December 10
Join the Dexter DreadBolts (FTC Team 16714), Mill Creek’s First Tech Challenge robotics team, for an interactive and informational robotics program. This session will open with a brief presentation by the team about their competition season and the robot they created. Then participants can do a craft, watch the robotics demonstration, and have a chance to drive a robot created by the team!
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, January 13
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, December 9
This is a story and craft program for kids transitioning out of story time and into book club. Adults should attend this program with their child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The January theme is Winter. Registration is required.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, January 15
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, December 18
All Star Readers is an independent book club for third and fourth graders. Each month we will play an icebreaker game, have a book discussion, and do an activity related to the book we discuss. Books will be available to pick up at the library after you register. Our January book is Choose Your Own Funny Book. Registration is required.
KinderConcert!
Saturday, January 17
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
Children ages five and younger and their caregivers will find that music comes alive during this 30-minute concert. Don’t worry about wiggly tots sitting still for a concert – they will be encouraged to dance and move while listening to the music, hearing a story being told with musical accompaniment and learning about a special orchestral instrument. Members of the A2SO lead children on a guided introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Registration is not required.
Yarn Painting
Monday, January 19
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration begins Monday, December 22
Find your inner artist with this simple and fun art method. Children in grades K-4 are invited to learn how to “paint” a vibrant, textured piece of art using just yarn and glue. Templates will be available, or participants can create their own unique designs. Registration is required.
Makerspace
Thursday, January 22
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination. Registration is not required.
Drop-in Snowflake Suncatcher Craft
Saturday, January 24
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Drop-in and create your own snowflake suncatcher decoration. Registration is not required.
Mini Golf at the Library
Friday, January 30
Time 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Are you ready to test your skill and take a swing at our 9-hole mini-golf course in the Library? It’s a hole lotta fun! We’ll provide the putters and golf balls, you provide the talent! Everyone welcome. Registration is not required.
Mini Golf at the Library
Saturday January 31
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Are you ready to test your skill and take a swing at our 9-hole mini-golf course in the Library? It’s a hole lotta fun! We’ll provide the putters and golf balls, you provide the talent! Everyone welcome. Registration is not required.
FEBRUARY
Lego Club
Monday, February 2
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Kids in grades K through 8 are invited to spend an afternoon making their own Lego creations while visiting with old friends and making new ones. Everyone is welcome – Legos will be provided by the Library. Registration is not required.
Chess Club
Wednesday, February 4
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, January 7
If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games this fall. Compete in tournament-style play or a casual game and improve your skills. All kids and teens with at least a basic knowledge of chess gameplay are welcome to attend. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club. Registration is required.
Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day
Saturday, February 7
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Take Your Child to the Library Day is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. We will celebrate with crafts, a book character eye spy game, and a variety of building activities. Stop by and join in the fun! Registration is not required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, February 10
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, January 13
This is a story and craft program for kids transitioning out of story time and into book club. Adults should attend this program with their child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The February theme is Friendship. Registration is required.
Club Create Book Club
Thursday, February 12
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, January 8
Club Create is an independent book club for first and second graders. Each month Ms. Krista will read longer picture books centered on a theme and the group will participate in activities and crafts related to the theme. The February theme is Friendship. Registration is required.
Drummunity
Friday, February 13
11:00 am -12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Join Lori Fithian for Drummunity! She’ll bring the drums – YOU get to play them! Children of all ages get to drum, sing and dance in this fun and energizing program. Lori brings all kinds of drums and percussion instruments, so everyone can make music together! Registration is not required.
Drop-in Valentine’s Day Crafts
Saturday, February 14
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Get creative at the library. Drop-in and make a variety of Valentine’s Day crafts. Registration is not required.
Movie & Popcorn for Kids
Monday, February 16
1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Kids of all ages are invited to stop by the Library and watch The Bad Guys 2 (2025) on the big screen while enjoying a free bag of popcorn. Registration is not required.
The now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, globe-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals they never saw coming: The Bad Girls.
Rated PG – 104 minutes
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, February 19
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, January 15
All Star Readers is an independent book club for third and fourth graders. Each month we will play an icebreaker game, have a book discussion, and do an activity related to the book we discuss. Books will be available to pick up at the library after you register. Our February book is Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter. Registration is required.
Makerspace
Thursday, February 26
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination. Registration is not required.
MARCH
Lego Club
Monday, March 2
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Kids in grades K through 8 are invited to spend an afternoon making their own Lego creations while visiting with old friends and making new ones. Everyone is welcome – Legos will be provided by the Library. Registration is not required.
Chess Club
Wednesday, March 4
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, February 4
If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games this fall. Compete in tournament-style play or a casual game and improve your skills. All kids and teens with at least a basic knowledge of chess gameplay are welcome to attend. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club. Registration is required.
Preschool Makerspace
Friday, March 6
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
Make, try, create and play at the Library. Young children will explore a variety of stations with open-ended creative activities designed to encourage early learning. Children need an active adult partner to help them. Registration is not required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, March 10
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, February 10
This is a story and craft program for kids transitioning out of story time and into book club. Adults should attend this program with their child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The March theme is Bugs. Registration is required.
Club Create Book Club
Thursday, March 12
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, February 12
Club Create is an independent book club for first and second graders. Each month Ms. Krista will read longer picture books centered on a theme and the group will participate in activities and crafts related to the theme. The March theme is Inventions. Registration is required.
Drop-in Leprechaun Trap Craft
Saturday, March 14
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Drop-in and use your creativity to design a trap to catch a leprechaun before St. Patrick’s Day. Registration is not required.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, March 19
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, February 19
All Star Readers is an independent book club for third and fourth graders. Each month we will play an icebreaker game, have a book discussion, and do an activity related to the book we discuss. Books will be available to pick up at the library after you register. Our March book is The Mysterious Moonstone by Eric Luper. Registration is required.
Make Your Own Spring Break Craft Bag
Monday, March 23
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Drop-in and put together your own craft and activity bag to take with you on your travels or use at home during spring break. Registration is not required.
Makerspace
Thursday, March 26
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination. Registration is not required
