“COLOR OUR WORLD” SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Monday, June 16 – Friday, August 1
The Youth Summer Reading Programs are open to children and teens of all ages through grade 12.
Registration begins Monday, June 16. You can participate online using the Beanstack website or app, or participate in person using a paper log.
Choose One of Three Programs:
- Children who cannot yet read may participate with a parent or caregiver by signing up for the Read-to-Me program. Keep track of your reading goal and receive small weekly prizes beginning Monday, June 23.
- Children who can read on their own may sign up for the Reading Club program and will earn a variety of beads and build their own personal lanyard reading log beginning Monday, June 23.
- Teens and Tweens in grades 5 through 12 can sign up for the Teen Reading program. Keep track of the number of hours you read to receive small weekly prizes beginning Monday, June 23.
Complete all 6 weeks of the Summer Reading Program and turn in your reading record between Monday, July 28 and Sunday, August 10 to receive a goody bag and automatically be entered into the Final Prize Drawing to be held on Monday, August 11. Goody bags will continue to be available for pick-up until the beginning of the school year while supplies last.
Events – See each event page for more details and to register. Registration may be required for events.
Drop-In Summer Story Time at the Library
Monday & Thursday mornings at 11:00 am
June 23 – July 31
No registration required
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Drop-In Summer Story Time for toddlers and preschoolers will start on Monday, June 23 and run through Thursday, July 31. We will be meeting in the Lower-Level Meeting Room.
Story Time will be held on Mondays and repeated on Thursdays at 11:00 am. Books and activities are geared for toddlers and preschoolers. Each program lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Our story times will include picture, pop-up and interactive books, flannel-board stories, songs, puppets, finger plays and other activities that encourage a love of reading. Registration is not required.
JUNE
Crazy Craig Juggling Show: Summer Reading Kick-Off Event
Monday, June 16
11:00 am – 11:45 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Wolverine Glass
Be prepared for a high-energy, interactive, comedy, juggling, and variety show with performer Craig Wise. This 45-minute program full of non-stop action and audience participation is for all ages and will keep everyone on the edge of their seats, wanting more of his fun, crazy antics. Refreshments will be served at the Farmers Market following the show. This event kicks off this year’s Summer Reading Program “Color Our World”. Registration is not required.
Drop-in DIY Fan Craft
Tuesday, June 17
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program
Cool off this summer with a fan that you decorate yourself. We will supply a variety of markers, paint markers, and other embellishments to make the fan your own. Registration is not required.
“Color Our World” Mini Canvas Painting
Wednesday, June 18
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
This drop-in event is for children of all ages. Stop by the Library on Wednesday, June 18 any time from 10:00 am until noon and paint a mini-canvas. Registration is not required.
Music at the Blissful Concert with Evan Haller
Saturday, June 21
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
National touring musician Music at the Blissful (Evan Haller) visits Dexter District Library for a fun-filled, interactive, movement-packed music experience for the whole family. Come join the fun as we sing, jump, shake, laugh and go slow and fast with Music at The Blissful. Playing featuring songs off his new album, “What’s Next?” This is sure to be an action-packed good time for all. Registration is not required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, June 24
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration required and begins Tuesday, May 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 children. Each month Miss Ruth will read books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The June theme is Color. Registration is required.
Makerspace
Wednesday, June 25
2:00 pm – 3:00 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.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, June 26
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration required and begins Thursday, May 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 June book is Art Club by Rashad Doucet. Registration is required.
MellyPop! Puppets – “Chicken Little and Friends” Puppet Show
Friday, June 27
11:00 am – 11:45 am
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Come along and hang out with Aunt Betty, Chicken Little, and all your favorite barnyard buddies for a classic tale with a fun twist—YOU get to choose how it ends! This lively, interactive show mixes puppets, music, and plenty of laughs. It’s inspired by the beloved folk tales of ‘Chicken Little’ and ‘Henny Penny.’ Join the fun! Registration is not required.
Art Imitation Stations
Saturday, June 28
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Art projects for children based on the styles and methods of famous artists. Registration is not required.
Chess Club
Monday, June 30
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Kids and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, June 4
If you enjoy playing chess, join us for a special session of Chess Club this summer. 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 for this event. Registration is required.
JULY
Lego Club
Tuesday, July 1
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.
Ice Cream Social for Dexter Library Card Holders and Drop-In Crafts
Wednesday, July 2
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Dexter Creamery
Show your Dexter District Library card and receive FREE ice cream – located in front of the Library. During our Ice Cream Social, there will be a variety of drop-in crafts on the lower level for all ages. Registration is not required.
Minecraft Party
Tuesday, July 8
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-In Program
If you missed the Minecraft party this winter or want to relive the fun, you’re in luck! This is another chance to celebrate 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. Registration is not required.
Drop-in DIY Lei Craft
Wednesday, July 9
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program
Celebrate the summer season by creating your own lei to wear. String together colorful foam flowers and beads to make your own unique lei. Registration is not required.
Club Create Book Club
Thursday, July 10
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration required and begins Thursday, June 5
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 July theme is Oceans. Registration is required.
Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day
Friday, July 11
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
The Dexter District Library will host a large variety of trucks and emergency vehicles for children and adults of all ages to experience, rain or shine. The parking lot will be closed during this event to allow freedom to browse, tour and talk to the owners and operators of the wonderful machines that make our lives easier and safer. Bring your camera – there will be plenty of photo opportunities with the vehicles and special Cool Cat costumed character. Registration is not required.
Nutty Scientist’s Light and Color Workshop
Tuesday, July 15
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Session 2 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration required and begins Friday, June 20
School-aged children in grades K – 4 are invited to reserve a spot at one of the two sessions that are offered. Join the Nutty Scientists of Southeast Michigan for a one-hour STEAM program exploring light and color! We will learn about how our brains work with our eyes to take in the colorful world around us, through exciting, hands-on experiments. We will be creating colorful spy-like secret messages and pictures, discover the wonders of refraction, and make our very own take-home kaleidoscopes! Come and get creative while we learn about the magic of everyday science! Registration is required.
Makerspace
Wednesday, July 16
2:00 pm – 3:00 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.
Cameron Zvara: Comedy Magician & Entertainer Magic Show
Friday, July 18
11:00 am – 11:45 pm
All Ages
Registration is not required
Join us for a morning of FUN with Comedy Magician & Entertainer- Cameron Zvara! Cameron’s show is filled with mind blowing magic, comedy, juggling, music, and TONS of audience participation. You do not want to miss out! Registration is not required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, July 22
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration required and begins Tuesday, June 24
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 children. Each month Miss Ruth will read books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The July theme is Summer. Registration is required.
Textured Sunflowers on Canvas Workshop with KidCreate Studio
Wednesday, July 23
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Session 2 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration required and begins Wednesday, June 25
Children in grades K-4 are invited to reserve a spot at one of the two sessions that are offered of this exciting art workshop. Artists will use plaster and paint to make a colorful masterpiece in the style of Van Gogh’s sunflowers! Registration is required. Registration is required.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, July 24
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration required and begins Thursday, June 26
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 July book is Stick Dog by Tom Watson. Registration is required.
Camouflage Animals: Live Animal program
Friday, July 25
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Learn how animals use camouflage to survive, feed, and find shelter in their natural environments. This amazing show features a variety of animals from different countries and diverse ecosystems. Registration is not required.
Preschool Pigeon Party
Saturday, July 26
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
Children ages 5 and under, along with their caregivers, are invited to a special party celebrating Mo Willem’s Pigeon books. Explore a variety of stations with Pigeon crafts, games, and other activities. Registration is not required.
Adopt a Stuffed Animal Pet
Tuesday, July 29
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program
Drop by the library and choose a mini stuffed animal to adopt as a pet. Fill out a certificate of adoption, decorate a pet carrier, and make a beaded collar for your pet to wear. These pets make great reading buddies too! Registration is not required.
Lego Club
Tuesday, July 29
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.
Movie & Popcorn for Kids
Dog Man (PG – 2025)
Wednesday, July 30
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program
Kids of all ages are invited to stop by the Library and watch Dog Man (2025) on the big screen while enjoying a free bag of popcorn. Registration is not required.
When a dog and a police officer are injured together on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history. Half dog, half man, Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve as he doggedly pursues his arch-nemesis: the feline supervillain Petey the Cat. But the rivalry between Dog Man and Petey is upended by the arrival of an adorable kitten clone of Petey, Lil Petey.
Rated PG – 93 minutes
AUGUST
Big Bubble Dance Party – Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up Event
Friday, August 1
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Children of all ages will enjoy playing with a huge variety of bubble wands to create bubbles while dancing to family friendly music as bubble machines create thousands of bubbles all around! Registration is not required.
Preschool Makerspace
Tuesday, August 5
11:00 – 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, August 26
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.
