Michigan Authors

Many excellent authors were born in Michigan or make the state their home. Read a book by one of these writers. Check out our suggestions below:

Children’s Books:

  • M is for Mitten: a Michigan Alphabet by Annie Appleford – EASY APP/J 977.4 APP
  • Our Michigan! We love the Seasons by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen – EASY FRA
  • Summer’s Call: A Michigan Day by Amber Lynn Hellewell – EASY HEL
  • With Dad by Richard Jackson – EASY JAC
  • Lulu and Rocky in Detroit by Barbara Joose – EASY JOO
  • The Legend of Michigan  by Trinka Hakes Noble – EASY NOB
  • The Little Kids’ Table by Mary Ann McCabe Riehle – EASY RIE
  • Dear Dragon series by Margaret Hillert – READER1 E H
  • Roscoe Riley Rules series by Katherine Applegate – READER4 E A
  • The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell by Kathy-Jo Wargin – J 977.49 WAR
  • Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith – J ANC/J BOCD ANC
  • The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs – J BEL
  • Drum Roll, Please by Lisa Jenn Bigelow – J BIG
  • Charlotte Avery on Isle Royale by Rebecca S. Curtis – J CUR
  • Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon – J HUN
  • The Contract by Derek Jeter – J JET
  • The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson – J JOH
  • The Turtle of Michigan by Naomi Shihab Nye – J NYE
  • Miles from Motown by Lisa Sukenic – J SUK
  • Chasing Helicity by Ginger Zee – J ZEE
  • Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis – NEWBERY 2000/JBOCD CUR

Teen Books –

  • Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley – YA BOU
  • Royal Blood by Aimee Carter – YA CAR
  • The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch – YA COU
  • Even if it Breaks Your Heart by Erin Hahn – YA HAH
  • Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle – YA LAD
  • A Guide to the Dark by Meriam Metoui – YA MET
  • The Ones We Burn by Rebecca Mix – YA MIX
  • Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price – YA PRI/YA BOCD PRI
  • Goth Girl, Queen of the Universe by Lindsay S Zrull – YA BROWSING Z
  • Nothing Special, volume one: Through the Elder Woods by Katie Cook – YA GRAPHIC NOT

Holiday Books

Many holidays are celebrated during the winter. Read a book featuring one of these holidays or any holiday you’d like.

If you’d like a little help choosing your book, here are some suggestions:

Children’s Books –

  • The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper – EASY COO
  • The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaola – EASY DEP
  • Winter Holidays by Julie Murry – EASY MUR
  • The Sound of Kwanzaa by Dimitera Tokunbo – EASY TOK
  • Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett – HOLIDAY BAR/J WONDERBOOK BAR
  • Santa’s Gotta Go by Derrick Barnes – HOLIDAY BAR
  • Tamales for Christmas by Stephen Briseno – HOLIDAY BRI
  • All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins – HOLIDAY JEN
  • If you Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t! by Elise Parsley – HOLIDAY PAR
  • Don’t Invite a Bear inside for Hanukkah by Karen Rostoker-Gruber – HOLIDAY ROS
  • Is it Hanukkah Yet? by Nancy E. Krulik – READER2 E K
  • Pinkalicious and the Holiday Sweater by Victoria Kann – READER2 E K
  • Ty’s Travels: Winter Wonderland by Kelly Starling Lyons – READER2 E L
  • It’s Christmas! by Jack Prelutzky – READER2 E P
  • The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser – J GLA/JBOCD GLA
  • Rachel Friedman and Eight Not-so-Perfect Nights of Hanukkah by Sarah Kapit – J KAP
  • Let it Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy – J MEY
  • Greenglass House by Kate Milford – J MIL/JBOCD MIL
  • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson – J ROB/JBOCD ROB
  • A Donut in Time: a Hanukkah Story by Elana Rubinstein – J RUB
  • Come and Join Us! 18 Holidays Celebrated all Year Long by Liz Kleinrock – J 394.26 KLE
  • Celebrations Throughout the Year: Holiday Folklore by Gus Snedeker – J 394.26 SNE
  • We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen – J 394.261 YOL
  • The LEGO Holiday Games Book by Tori Kosara – J 688.725 LEG
  • Winter Crafts Across Cultures by Megan Borgert-Spaniol – J 745.594 BOR
  • Celebrate with Me! Recipes, Crafts, and Holiday Fun from Around the World edited by Laura Gladwin – J 745.594 CEL

 

Teen Books –

  • Eight Dates and Nights by Betsy Aldredge – YA BROWSING A
  • How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow – YA ARL
  • Love in Winter Wonderland  by Abiola Bello – YA BEL
  • Together at Midnight by Jennifer Castle – YA CAS
  • Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan – YA BROWSING C
  • 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston – YA ELS/YA BOCD ELS
  • The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand – YA HAN
  • The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath – YA HEA
  • Eight Nights of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds – YA REY
  • Finding My Elf by David Valdes – YA VAL
  • Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham – YA GRAPHIC LUN
  • The Simpsons: Homer for the Holidays – YA GRAPHIC SIM

Winter Teen and Tween Events

Pick up a copy of the Fall Teen & Tween brochure and the monthly youth department calendars at the Library or download PDFs below. See each event page for more details and to register. Registration is required for most Teen and Tween events – check each event page for more information.

Winter Reading Bingo Challenge

Monday, December 2 – Friday, January 3

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 2. 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 9. Prizes will be available for pickup until Friday, January 17.

Chess Club

Kids and Teens

Registration required

Kids and teens: if you enjoy playing chess, join us! 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.

 

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Grades 7-12

Registration required

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet during the summer to enjoy a pizza lunch then work on projects for the Summer Reading Program. TAG members also have the opportunity to help out at several events throughout the summer. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

Tween Book Club

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required

Tween Book Club is for students in grades 5 through 7. Read this month’s book or theme and then join us for icebreakers, snack, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the month’s book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

  • Tuesday, December 17, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Read a graphic novel or comic of your choice to discuss at book club. Check out a book from the Library or bring a book from home. Registration begins Tuesday, November 19.
  • Tuesday, January 28,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson. Registration begins Tuesday, December 17.
  • Tuesday, February 25,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz. Registration begins Tuesday, January 28.

makerspaceMakerspace

Grades K-8

Drop-in Program; No registration required

Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination.

Lego Club

Grades K-8

Drop-in Program; No registration required

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.

Magic: The Gathering

Grades 5-12

Join us for MTG tournament-style play on select Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 5 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Please bring a Commander deck to each session. This event is co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 Hot Cocoa & Crafts

Saturday, December 14

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, November 14

Enjoy a hot cocoa bar and snacks with your friends, then make some simple and fun crafts that could make great gifts for friends and loved ones.

Pizza and Games

Thursday, December 26

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, November 26

Eat pizza and play games with friends. We’ll have ping pong, foosball, and a variety of board and card games available to play.

Minecraft Party

Thursday, January 2

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Grades K-8

Drop-in program

Calling all Minecraft fans! Join us for an afternoon celebrating your favorite building game. Unplug and take part in Minecraft-inspired games and crafts in real life. Creep on in anytime during this drop-in event.

Cookies and Canvas

Saturday, January 4

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, December 4

Have a sweet treat while you paint to your heart’s content. We’ll supply the paint, brushes, canvases, and cookies – you bring your creativity.

Teen/Tween Crochet Crafternoon

Monday, January 20

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Monday, December 16

Join us for a chance to learn crochet or practice your skills. Beginners and more advanced teen and tween crocheters are welcome. Learn a new project or bring in what you’ve been working on!

Winter Fantasy Book Nook Craft

Saturday, February 8

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Wednesday, January 8

What’s a book nook? Also called a bookshelf diorama, this is a decoration you can put on your bookshelf to make it look like there’s a magical mini world between your favorite books. Construct your very own winter-themed fantasy landscape with miniatures and craft supplies.

Teen Tech Take-Apart

Monday, February 17

2:00 – 3:15 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required; begins Friday, January 17

Teens: Do you like learning how things work? Ever wanted to take something apart? This is your chance! Join us to use tools to deconstruct small electronics and see what makes them tick. Then we’ll use the disassembled pieces to create art.

Oreo Cookie Challenge

Saturday, March 8

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required; begins Friday, February 7

Satisfy your taste buds and your competitive side in this fun program. Sample a variety of Oreo flavors and determine the best one, plus compete in Minute to Win It games using cookies.

Fall Teen and Tween Events

Pick up a copy of the Fall Teen & Tween brochure and the monthly youth department calendars at the Library or download PDFs below. See each event page for more details and to register. Registration is required for most Teen and Tween events – check each event page for more information.

Chess Club

Kids and Teens

Registration required

Kids and teens: if you enjoy playing chess, join us! 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.

 

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Grades 7-12

Registration required

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet during the summer to enjoy a pizza lunch then work on projects for the Summer Reading Program. TAG members also have the opportunity to help out at several events throughout the summer. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

Tween Book Club

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required

Tween Book Club is for students in grades 5 through 7. Read this month’s book or theme and then join us for icebreakers, snack, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the month’s book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

  • Tuesday, September 24, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Duel by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley. Registration begins Tuesday, August 20.
  • Tuesday, October 22,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne. Registration begins Tuesday, September 24.
  • Tuesday, November 19,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga. Registration begins Tuesday, October 22.

makerspaceMakerspace

Grades K-8

Drop-in Program; No registration required

Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination.

Lego Club

Grades K-8

Drop-in Program; No registration required

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.

Magic: The Gathering

Grades 5-12

Join us for MTG tournament-style play on select Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 5 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Please bring a Commander deck to each session. This event is co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

Sidewalk Art with David Zinn

Friday, September 6

4:00 – 6:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, August 16

Teens and tweens – join us to learn how to make art with your surroundings in a returning favorite program. Ann Arbor artist David Zinn will do a demonstration of how to create with chalk. After the demo, try these techniques yourself on the Library sidewalk! (This event will be moved indoors in the case of inclement weather.) Co-presented with SRSLY Dexter.

Mini String Art

Saturday, September 21

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, August 21

Make a decoration using pins, thread, and a cork coaster. Follow a provided template or make your own design.

Macrame Ghost Craft

Friday, October 11

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 13

Make a spooky and simple rope decoration. These handmade ghouls are perfect for Halloween.

Slime Time with Mad Science Detroit
Monday, October 14

Please register for only 1 session:

Grades K – 8

Registration is required and begins Monday, September 16.

Ooze into a gooey hour of sliming around! Create slime using the Mad Science recipe, and then enter the Slime Olympics! Take home your own concoction of Mad Science Slime! Registration is required.

FrankenToys

Saturday, October 19

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Thursday, September 19

Create your own creature like Dr. Frankenstein using the toys and craft supplies provided. Whether it’s silly or spooky, your FrankenToy will be totally unique!

Teen/Tween Crochet Crafternoon

Saturday, November 2

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, October 2

Join us for a chance to learn crochet or practice your skills. Beginners and more advanced teen and tween crocheters are welcome. Learn a new project or bring in what you’ve been working on!

Cupcake Decorating

Thursday, November 7

2:00 – 2:45 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, October 9

Get creative and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Learn some new techniques for decorating cupcakes, then eat your creations or take them home.

Summer Adventure Photo Contest

This photo contest ran from June 14 through August 2 as part of the Summer Reading Program at Dexter District Library. Teens and tweens entering grades 5 through 12 in the fall could enter up to one photo in each of three categories: Summer, Animals, and Dexter. Library staff selected 2 winners in each category to receive a prize. See the entries below! Be sure to click/select to see the full image.

You can also see the entries in the Teen Zone at the Library until early September.

  • All

 

Picture Books

Picture books are for everyone! Teens and tweens – if you’re having trouble picking a picture book to read for your Beanstack badge, here are some ideas and suggestions from Teen/Tween Librarian Mollie:

  • Revisit a favorite childhood book or story.
  • Look in the Juvenile biography section (J 920) to learn about a historical figure in a picture book format.
  • Read one of Mollie’s favorites that even older readers will enjoy or connect with:
    • Big by Vashti Harrison – EASY HAR
    • Spaghetti Hunters by Morag Hood – EASY HOO
    • I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen – EASY KLA/MEDIA KIT KLA
    • Oh Look, a Cake! by J. C. McKee – EASY MCK
    • Unstoppable by Adam Rex and Laura Park – EASY REX
    • A Pizza with Everything on it by Kyle Scheele and Andy J. Pizza – EASY SCH
    • Cowboy and Octopus by Jon Sciescka and Lane Smith – EASY SCI
    • Cookie Time by Jessie Sima – EASY SIM
    • The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime by Eija Sumner and Nici Gregory – EASY SUM

Cookbooks and Recipes

Get cooking and try some new recipes this December! Here are some cookbooks you might like to try:

Children’s Books –

  • Chef Snoopy Cookbook: Tasty Recipes for Young Chefs  – J 641.5 CHE
  • Chef in Training: Kids in the Kitchen by Bernice Ho – J 641.5 KIT
  • Spider-Man: the Official Cookbook by Jermaine McLaughlin – J 641.5 SPI
  • Bake, make and learn to cook : fun & healthy recipes for young cooks by David Atherton – J 641.508 ATH
  • The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists by America’s Test Kitchen – J 641.512 AME
  • Cook It! The Dr. Seuss Cookbook for Kid Chefs by Daniel Gercke – J 641.512 GER
  • Annabel Karmel’s My First Cookbook by Annabel Karmel – J 641.512 KAR
  • Recipes for Change: 12 Dishes inspired by a Year in Black History by Michael Platt – J 641.512 PLA
  • Tiana’s Cookbook from Disney’s Princess and the Frog – J 641.512 TIA
  • Children’s Quick and Easy Cookbook by Angela Wilkes – J 641.512 WIL
  • Omari McQueen’s Best Bites Cookbook by Omari McQueen – J 641.563 MCQ
  • The Vegan Cookbook for Kids by Barb Musick – J 641.563 MUS
  • Priya’s Kitchen Adventures by Priya Krishna – J 641.59 KRI
  • Cocinando on Cook Street: a Collection of Mi Familia’s Recipes by Marcela Valladolid – J 641.597 VAL
  • Kid Chef Bakes: the Kids Cookbook for Aspiring Bakers by Lisa Huff – J 641.815 HUF
  • The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Pizza Cookbook by Peggy Paul Casella – J 641.824 CAS

Teen Books –

  • The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs by America’s Test Kitchen – YA 641.5 COM
  • The Official Five Nights at Freddy’s Cookbook by Scott Cawthon and Rob Morris – YA 641.512 CAW
  • The Super Easy Teen Cookbook by Christina Hitchcock – YA 641.512 HIT
  • Meal in a Mug by Denise Smart – YA 641.588 SMA
  • The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook by Jessica Yun – YA 641.595 YUN
  • Sushi Cookbook for Beginners by Chika Ravitch – YA 641.82 RAV
  • Anyone Can Cake by Whitney DePaoli – YA 641.865 DEP
  • The Nightmare Before Christmas Official Baking Cookbook by Sandy K Snugly – YA 641.865 SNU
  • Kawaii Cafe Bubble Tea by Stacey Kwong and Beyah Del Mundo – YA 641.87 KWO
  • Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice: A Thai Comic Book Cookbook by Christine de Witte and Mallika Kauppinen – YA GRAPHIC NOO

Do Something Creative

There are so many ways to get creative this winter! You can create whatever you would like, but if you’d like to learn something new, check out the books listed below. You can also find video lessons for many different arts and crafts on Creativebug – Log on with your DDL library card number and PIN.

Children’s Books –

  • If you are an Artist by Meg Auchenbach – EASY AUC
  • I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont – EASY BEA
  • I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely – EASY HIP
  • Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack – EASY MAC
  • The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds – EASY REY
  • Boxitects by Kim Smith – EASY SMI
  • The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires – EASY SPI
  • The Artist by Ed Vere – EASY VER
  • LEGO Build Your Own LEGO Escape Room by Simon Hugo – J 688.725 BUI
  • LEGO Ideas on the Go by Hannah Dolan – J 688.725 DOL
  • Let’s Make History! Create Your Own Comics by Nathan Hale – J 741.2 HAL
  • Manga Art for Beginners: How to Create Your Own Manga Drawings by Danica Davidson – J 741.4 DAV
  • Make Your Own Squishies: 15 Safe, Slow-rise and Smooshy Projects for You to Create by Stacia Ann – J 745.592 ANN
  • Make Music! : A Kid’s Guide to Creating Rhythm, Playing with Sound, and Conducting and Composing Music by Norma Jean Haynes, John Langstaff, and Ann Sayre Wiseman – J 781.4 HAY
  • Write and Record Your Own Songs by Anna Leigh – J 782.421 LEI
  • Maker Projects for Kids who Love Music by Rebecca Sjonger – J 784.192 SJO
  • How to Make a Picture Book by Dr. Elys Dolan – J 808 DOL
  • Your Story Matters: A Surprisingly Practical Guide to Writing by Richard Scrimger – J 808 SCR
  • How to Make a Book (About My Dog) by Chris Barton – J 808.02 BAR
  • Write Your Own Scripts by Andy Prentice and Matthew Oldham – J 808.2 USB

Teen Books –

  • Cute Creature Art Class by Naomi Lord – YA 741.2 LOR
  • Crafting Change by Jessica Vitkus – YA 745.5 VIT
  • Cute & Cuddly Crochet by Lauren Bergstrom – YA 746.434 BER
  • Pokemon Crochet by Sabrina Somers – YA 746.434 SOM
  • Cute Kawaii Cross Stitch by Sosae and Dennis Caetano – YA 746.44 CAE
  • 15-Miute Watercolor Masterpieces by Anna Koliadych – YA 751.422 KOL
  • You: The Story by Ruta Sepetys – YA 808.02 SEP

Audiobooks and Podcasts

Want to access audiobooks on your computer, phone, or other device? The Library has access on hoopla and Libby/Download Destination. Get more information on our Digital Collections page.

Podcasts can be found on many apps on a mobile device, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Check out some suggestions below if you need help selecting an audiobook or podcast:

Children’s Podcasts/Books –

Teen Podcasts/Books –

Spring Events for Teens & Tweens

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!
In-person Teen & Tween Programs:
With consideration for the ongoing pandemic, and for the safety of everyone involved, please take special note of the following:

  • Registration is required for all in-person and virtual Teen and Tween programs. See individual event pages for more information and to register to attend.
  • Space is limited – each individual should register so we have an accurate count of how many people are in the room.
  • The Library has updated its programming attendance requirements.  Face coverings optional but encouraged in group settings.  Face covering requirements are subject to change without notice.

Relaxing Crafts for Teens & Tweens

In Person

Saturday, June 11

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required, begins May 9

Take a break and unwind before finals and end-of-the-school-year activities. Join us to make stress balls and calming glitter jars – items that are fun to make but can also help you feel less stressed when you use them.

 

Past events:

MiLibraryQuest logo with an image of a detective holding an open book, and the text MiLibraryQuest Mystery EditionMiLibraryQuest
February 1 – March 15

Grades 5 – 12

Michigan teens we need your help! The world famous thief Lupin has struck again! This time he pilfered the laptop of a best selling Michigan author containing the only copy of their latest novel. Please help us find where Lupin has stashed the laptop by decoding his taunting notes to Inspector Skirmish before the draft is due on March 15th.

To get started, head to our Teen Services page or go to the MiLibraryQuest web site.

 

Crafting Your College Essay

In Person

Wednesday, March 2

7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Teens and adults welcome

Registration Required, starts February 2

Elizabeth Levy, founder of Essay Help for Colleges, will present tips on applying to college using the Common Application along with information on what makes a great personal essay. The program is geared toward high school sophomores and juniors getting ready to apply to college, but it is open to all teens and parents. Time will be available at the end of the presentation for participants’ questions.

Teen Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, March 8

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grades 7 – 12

Book: The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

Registration required, begins February 8

Join us for discussion, a craft, and some trivia on this month’s selection. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

Take & Make: Zine Kits

Pickup March 4-10 or while supplies last

Grades 5-12

No registration – kits available while supplies last

Make your own zine – a DIY, small-batch magazine on any topic you care about. Get you supply kit from the library, then make some zines and share with your friends.

 

Magic: the Gathering

In Person

Friday, March 18

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required, begins February 19

Join us monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 6 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Please bring a Commander deck to each session. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Teen Advisory Group

In Person

Saturday, March 19

11 a.m. to noon

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required, begins February 19

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library. TAG meets on select Saturdays each month during the school year.

Tween Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, March 22

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grades 5 & 6

Book: Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui Sutherland

Registration required, begins February 22

Read the book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related craft or activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register.

Nailed It! Virtual Cake Decorating

Virtual

Wednesday, March 30

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Grades 5 through 12

Registration required, begins February 21

Registered participants can pick up a decorating kit March 23-29 or while supplies last.

Get creative –and a little messy – in your kitchen! During this virtual program, teens and tweens will have 45 minutes to try to recreate a decorated cake. At the end, we’ll take a look at everyone’s creations. This is meant to be fun, but our judges will also pick a winner to receive a $10 Joann gift card!

 

Creating Your College List

In Person

Wednesday, April 6

7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Teens and adults welcome

Registration required, begins March 2

Elizabeth Levy, founder of Essay Help for Colleges, returns with tips on selecting colleges and applying using the Common Application. The program is geared toward high school sophomores and juniors, but it is open to all teens and parents. Time will be available at the end of the presentation for questions.

 

Teen Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, April 12

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grades 7 through 12

Book: Verify by Joelle Charbonneau

Registration required, begins March 8

Join us for discussion, a craft, and some trivia on this month’s selection. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register. Can’t make it to the Library before Book Club? The e-book and audiobook are available for immediate download on hoopla!

 

Take & Make: Gardening Kits

Pick up April 8-14 or while supplies last All kits have been picked up as of 4/13.

Grades 5-12

No registration – kits available while supplies last

Are you looking for a new outdoor hobby? Do you want to help pollinators like bees and butterflies? Why not try gardening! Teens and tweens can pick up a kit with seed packets, dirt pods, pots, and plant markers to start their own garden.

Magic: the Gathering

In Person

Friday, April 22

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required, begins March 19

Join us monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 6 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Please bring a Commander deck to each session. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Teen Advisory Group

In Person

Saturday, April 23

11 a.m. to noon

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required, begins March 19

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library. This month, help make decorations for the Summer Reading Program!

 

 

Action Figure Terrariums

In Person

Saturday, April 23

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Grades 5-12

Registration required, begins March 21

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, this program is for you. We’ll make terrariums with faux succulents and mosses, so your decoration will last forever and doesn’t need watering! Bring a small action figure or miniature to decorate your terrarium, or the Library will have some on hand as well.

 

Tween Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, April 26

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grades 5 & 6

Book: The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz

Registration required, begins March 22

Read the book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related craft or activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register.

 

“May the Fourth” Trivia Contest

Entries accepted May 1 – 7

Grades 5 through 12

May the Fourth be with you! In honor of Star Wars Day on May 4, teens and tweens can stop into the library during the first week of May and enter a Star Wars-themed trivia contest. Starting on Sunday, May 1, pick up a trivia quiz in the Teen Zone. Complete it and return to the Youth Reference Desk by Saturday, May 7 for a chance to win a galactic prize!

 

 

 

Teen Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, May 10

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grades 7-12

Book: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Registration required, starts April 12

Join us for discussion, a craft, and some trivia on this month’s selection. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

Take & Make: Self-Care Kits

Pick up May 6 – 12, or while supplies last

Grades 5-12

No registration – kits available while supplies last

Everyone needs to take time for self-care. Doing things for your mind, body, and soul can promote well-being and help you feel happier and less stressed. Teens and tweens in grades 5-12 can pick up a kit with a journal, treats, and some ideas for activities to help you relax and de-stress.

 

Magic: the Gathering

In Person

Friday, May 20

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required, begins April 23

Join us monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 6 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Please bring a Commander deck to each session. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Teen Advisory Group

In Person

Saturday, May 21

11 a.m. to noon

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required, begins April 23

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library. TAG meets on select Saturdays each month during the school year.

 

Tween Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, May 24

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grades 5 & 6

Book: Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

Registration required, begins April 26

Read the book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related craft or activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register.