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.

Upcoming Events:

makerspaceMakerspace

Thursday, September 28

4:30 – 5:30 pm

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.

 

Cookies and Canvas

Saturday, September 30

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 1

Have a sweet treat while you paint to your heart’s content. Canvas, brushes, and paint – and cookies! – will be provided.

 

Spooky Terrariums

Saturday, October 7

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 8

Get into the spooky spirit with this seasonal terrarium craft. Use a container, moss, faux plants, and small figurines to make a wickedly fun decoration.

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, October 11

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, September 13

If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games. 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.

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, October 17

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, September 19

Read this month’s book and then join us for snacks, icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. September’s book is Masterminds by Gordon Korman.

 

makerspaceMakerspace

Thursday, October 26

4:30 – 5:30 pm

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.

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, October 27

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 22

Join us monthly for pizza and MTG tournament-style play on 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. Co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 

 

TAG: Teen Advisory Group

Saturday, October 28

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, September 16

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to enjoy a pizza lunch then brainstorm with other teens about new programs, book selections, and how to make the Library an even better place. TAG members will also do small service projects during meetings. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

 

Crochet Amigurumi Monsters

Thursday, November 9

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Thursday, October 12

Have you ever wanted to try crochet? Join us to learn the basic skills needed to make amigurumi (crocheted toys), and make a unique monster plush. Teens and tweens who are beginners or more advanced crocheters are all welcome.

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, November 15

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, October 11

If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games. 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.

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, November 17

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, October 27

Join us monthly for pizza and MTG tournament-style play on 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. Co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 

TAG: Teen Advisory Group

Saturday, November 18

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, October 27

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to enjoy a pizza lunch then brainstorm with other teens about new programs, book selections, and how to make the Library an even better place. TAG members will also do small service projects during meetings. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, November 21

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, October 17

Read this month’s book and then join us for snacks, icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. For our November book club, read a fantasy book of your choice to discuss at Book Club. Provide your own book – feel free to bring one from home or check out from the library.

 

makerspaceMakerspace

Saturday, November 25

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

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.

Past Events:

Chess Club

Wednesday, September 13

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, August 23

If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games. 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.

 

Sidewalk Art with David Zinn

Friday, September 15

4:30 – 6:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, August 25

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.

 

TAG: Teen Advisory Group

Saturday, September 16

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – Begins Monday, August 21

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to enjoy a pizza lunch then brainstorm with other teens about new programs, book selections, and how to make the Library an even better place. TAG members will also do small service projects during meetings. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, September 19

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, August 22

Read this month’s book and then join us for snacks, icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. September’s book is Posted by John David Anderson.

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, September 22

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, August 25

Join us monthly for pizza and MTG tournament-style play on 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. Co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

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.

 

 

 

Magic: The Gathering

Join us monthly during the school year for pizza dinner and MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Prizes awarded to top players.  Everyone in grades 5 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend.  Bring a Commander deck to each session. See below for tournament dates or check our Events Calendar. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter and 5 Healthy Towns.

Upcoming dates:

Friday, October 27 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration opens Friday, September 22

Friday, November 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration opens Friday, October 27

Friday, December 15 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration begins Friday, November 17

Friday, January 19 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration begins Friday, December 15

Friday, February 23 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration opens Friday, January 19

Friday, March 22 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration opens Friday, February 23

Friday, April 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration opens Friday, March 22

Friday, May 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Registration opens Friday, April 26

 

Contact:  Mollie Hall mhall@dexter.lib.mi.us

Coretta Scott King Award Winners

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

Edgar Award Winners and Nominees

The Edgar Allan Poe Awards (popularly called the Edgars), named after Edgar Allan Poe, are presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America, based in New York City. They honor the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction, television, film, and theater published or produced in the previous year.