Author: Mollie Hall

Fall Events for Teens and Tweens

Mollie Hall

Pick up a copy of the Fall brochure at the Library or download a PDF 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.

Readers’ Choice Book Club

Friday, September 16

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, August 19

Grades 7-12

Join a book club where you always get to pick what you read! Choose a book to read that goes with the month’s theme, or just read any book of your choice. Bring it to book club and tell us all about it. Get book recommendations from other teens, plus hear about some of the new books in the Teen Zone. We’ll also do a craft or activity to go with this month’s theme – Fantasy.

 

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Saturday, September 17

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Registration required – Begins Monday, August 22

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to 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 20

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 & 6

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, August 23

Read this month’s book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. September’s book is Just Roll With It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie.

 

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, September 23

6:00 – 8:30 pm

Grades 6-12

Registration required – Begins Thursday, September 1

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.

 

Chess Club

Monday, September 26

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Children and Teens

Registration required – Begins Monday, August 29

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. Bring your own chess set if you have one, or use sets provided by the Library.

 

 

Makerspace

Tuesday, September 27

4:00 – 5:00 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.

 

 

Stranger Things Fandom Night

Friday, October 7

7:00 – 8:15 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 9

Spend an evening in the Upside-Down! Join us for crafts and activities revolving around the hit show Stranger Things.

 

 

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Saturday, October 8

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Registration required –  Begins Saturday, Septembe r17

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to 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!

 

Readers’ Choice Book Club

Friday, October 14

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 16

Join a book club where you always get to pick what you read! Choose a book to read that goes with the month’s theme, or just read any book of your choice. Bring it to book club and tell us all about it. Get book recommendations from other teens, plus hear about some of the new books in the Teen Zone. We’ll also do a craft or activity to go with this month’s theme – Mystery and Thriller.

 

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, October 18

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 & 6

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, September 20

Read this month’s book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. October’s book is The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate.

 

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, October 21

6:00 – 8:30 pm

Grades 6-12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, September 24

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.

 

 

Zom-Beanies

Saturday, October 22

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, September 16

Stay warm this spooky season with a fun hat craft! Take a plain beanie and add eyes, stitches, and of course brains to turn it into a zom-beanie.

 

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, October 26

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Children and Teens

Registration required – Begins Monday, September 26

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. Bring your own chess set if you have one, or use sets provided by the Library.

 

 

Makerspace

Thursday, October 27

4:00 – 5:00 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.

 

 

Readers’ Choice Book Club

Friday, November 11

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, October 14

Join a book club where you always get to pick what you read! Choose a book to read that goes with the month’s theme, or just read any book of your choice. Bring it to book club and tell us all about it. Get book recommendations from other teens, plus hear about some of the new books in the Teen Zone. We’ll also do a craft or activity to go with this month’s theme – Science Fiction.

 

 

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Saturday, November 12

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7-12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, October 8

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to 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 14

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 & 6

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, October 18

Read this month’s book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. November’s book is Inkling by Kenneth Oppel and Sydney Smith.

 

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, November 18

6:00 – 8:30 pm

Grades 6-12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, October 22

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.

 

 

Custom Keychain Craft

Saturday, November 19

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required – Begins Friday, October 21

Make a keychain that’s as unique as you! Design a simple word or image to cut out in vinyl, then apply it to an acrylic shape of your choice. Customize your keychain further with beads, charms, and more. This is a fun decoration for your backpack or bag, or you can make it as a gift.

 

 

Chess Club

Tuesday, November 22

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Children and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, October 26

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. Bring your own chess set if you have one, or use sets provided by the Library.

 

Makerspace

Saturday, November 26

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.

 

 

 

The Library has updated its programming attendance requirements.  Face coverings optional but highly encouraged in group indoor settings.  Face covering requirements are subject to change without notice.  Registration may be required for in-person programming.  If registration is required, registrants will need to register all members of their party.  To provide for adequate social distancing, the Library may need to limit the number of in-person attendees at each indoor program.  The Library will continue to monitor COVID-19 conditions and the Library Board will review these requirements on a monthly basis.

Summer Reading Program & Events for Teens & Tweens

Mollie Hall

Teen & Tween Summer Reading Program – June 22 through August 5

The Teen & Tween Summer Reading Program (SRP) is open to students entering grades 5 – 12 in the fall.

Registration begins June 22. You can participate online using the Beanstack web site or app, or participate in person using a paper log.

How the Teen & Tween Program works:

  • Register using your preferred method – online or in person.
  • Read 2 or more hours a week.
  • Check in at the Youth Reference Desk each week beginning June 27 and pick up your weekly prize.

  • Complete all 6 weeks of the Summer Reading Program and turn in your reading record between Monday, August 1 and Sunday, August 21 to receive a goody bag and automatically be entered into the Final Prize Drawing to be held on Monday, August 22. Goody bags will continue to be available for pick-up through the end of August while supplies last.

 

Teen & Tween Events – Pick up a copy of the SRP brochure at the Library or download a PDF below. See each event page for more details and to register. Registration is required for all in-person and virtual Teen and Tween events.

MiLibraryQuest: Treasures of the Deep

Wednesday, June 15 – Sunday, July 31

Grades 5 – 12

Teens and tweens in grades 5-12 are invited to participate in MiLibraryQuest: Treasures of the Deep this summer. Pirates, shipwrecks, and monsters have inhabited our oceans for millennia. This quest will challenge teen explorers to complete a crossword puzzle by finding clues on the websites of Michigan libraries. Answers to the puzzle will include famous pirates, real shipwrecks, and mythological monsters.

To get started, head to our Teen Services page or go to the MiLibraryQuest web site. Solve the puzzle by July 31 and enter to win a prize.

Join our Break-In Bags event on Thursday, July 21 at 7 p.m. to work on the Summer Quest with other teens and tweens.

 

Teen/Tween Summer Reading Kick-Off Pirate Party

Wednesday, June 22

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Monday, May 23

Teens and tweens can take part in pirate-themed games and activities to celebrate the start of the Summer Reading Program.

 

Teen Advisory Group

Thursday, June 23

Grades 7 – 12

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Registration required – begins Monday, May 23

Volunteers are needed at the Library this summer. Attend this meeting to find out how you can get involved.

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, June 28

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 & 6

Registration required – begins Tuesday, May 24

Book: Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

Join us to discuss this month’s book and play a giant version of Clue. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

 

Sand Art and Summer Crafts

Wednesday, June 29

2:00 – 2:45 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Wednesday, June 1

Make sand art and create other summer crafts.

 

Teen “Bring Your Own Book” Club: Graphic Novels

Tuesday, July 5

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – begins Tuesday, June 7

Teens are invited to join our “Bring Your Own Book” Club. Bring a graphic novel to talk about with the group, to share your recent favorites and get new recommendations from teens like you. We’ll play games and create recycled comics crafts while we discuss.

 

Bad Art Night

Thursday, July 7

6:30 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Thursday, June 9

Come to the library to create the worst art you can make. That’s right – don’t worry about making something good, just enjoy the creative process! Many materials will be on hand for you to make your disasterpiece. At the end, we’ll vote on a “worst of the worst” to win a trophy commemorating their achievement.

 

Bleach Stencil Shirt Craft

Monday, July 11

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, June 10

Design your own unique ocean animal T-shirt with vinyl stencils and diluted bleach spray. Please bring a pre-washed cotton black or color T-shirt – no white shirts.

 

Comic Art Fantasy with Artist Jerry DeCaire

Wednesday, July 13

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, June 10

Join us for a live drawing demo by Marvel Comic illustrator Jerry DeCaire. Comic art has long been used to bring fantasy to life. Super heroes, orcs, elves, sorcerers, dragons, wizards, and more. As quickly as the eye can follow, art and fantasy are created in this fascinating live drawing performance.

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, July 15

6:00 – 8:30 pm

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, June 17

Take part in a special summer MTG tournament. 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. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Shark Paint on Canvas

Tuesday, July 19

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, June 17

Join us for an afternoon of painting inspired by everyone’s favorite aquatic predators – sharks! Follow along with instructions and then add your own creative touches to make your painting unique.

 

Break-In Bags

Thursday, July 21

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, June 17

If you like escape rooms or have always wanted to try one, come try a break-in bag at the Library! Instead of trying to get out of a room, you need to solve a series of clues to break into a bag of prizes. We’ll also work together on solving this year’s MiLibraryQuest summer puzzle.

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, July 26

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 & 6

Book: Island of Thieves by Josh Lacey

Registration required – begins Tuesday, June 28

Join us to discuss this month’s book and take part in a treasure hunt. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

 

Virtual Cooking Class: Strawberry Shortcake

Thursday, July 28

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Tuesday, June 28

Over Zoom, Chef Jyl Nolan of A Curious Kitchen will show you how to prepare a classic summer dessert – strawberry shortcake. Receive the recipe a week before the program, gather your ingredients, and cook along with us.

 

Aquatic Engineering Challenges

Monday, August 1

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Tuesday, June 28

Take on a series of ocean-related STEM challenges, including building towers that will stand up to simulated hurricane conditions.

 

Teen “Bring Your Own Book” Club: Favorite Childhood Books

Tuesday, August 2

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – begins Tuesday, July 5

Teens are invited to join our “Bring Your Own Book” Club. Bring a favorite book from your childhood to talk about with the group, to share your favorites with others and get new recommendations from teens like you. We’ll do some activities inspired by childhood while we discuss – think storytime, finger painting, and more.

 

Teen/Tween Interactive movie – Encanto

Thursday, August 4

6:30 – 8:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Thursday, July 7

Finish out the Summer Reading Program with an interactive showing of Encanto. During this screening for teens and tweens, we’ll use props and actions to follow along and take part in the story. Be ready to sing along!

The Library has updated its programming attendance requirements.  Face coverings optional but highly encouraged in group indoor settings.  Face covering requirements are subject to change without notice.  Registration may be required for in-person programming.  If registration is required, registrants will need to register all members of their party.  To provide for adequate social distancing, the Library may need to limit the number of in-person attendees at each indoor program.  The Library will continue to monitor COVID-19 conditions and the Library Board will review these requirements on a monthly basis.

Spring Events for Teens & Tweens

Mollie Hall

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.

 

 

 

Coretta Scott King Award Winners

Mollie Hall

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.