winter youth programs

Winter Events for Children

Winter Reading Bingo Challenge
Monday, December 2 – Friday, January 3
Kids 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.

 

Drop-In Story Times at the Library

Combined 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 13 – February 27
Lower Level Large Meeting Room

No registration required

Drop-In Winter Story Time for toddlers and preschoolers will start on Monday, January 13 and run through Thursday, February 27. We will be meeting in the Large Meeting Room on the lower level of the Library.

Combined 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 15 – February 26
First Floor Youth Program Room

Registration required and begins on Wednesday, December 18

Registration is required for Toddler Small Group Story Time and Preschool Small Group Story Time as 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

Lego Club
Tuesday, December 3
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.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Friday, December 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, December 10
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, November 12

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 books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The December theme is Outer Space. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, December 12
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, November 14

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 Science. Registration is required.

 

Drop-In Holiday Crafts
Friday, December 13
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Join us for a festive afternoon of making simple holiday crafts for yourself or to give as a gift. Registration is not required.

 

Preschool Seasonal Crafts
Tuesday, December 17
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program

Celebrate the season by making a variety of seasonal crafts including your own reindeer antlers. Registration is not required.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, December 18
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, November 20

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.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, December 19
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, November 21

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 Penny Draws a Best Friend by Sara Shepard. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Friday, December 27
2:30 pm – 3:30 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 Winter Wonderland Story & Crafts
Saturday, December 28
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.

 

Drop-in New Year’s Hat & Noisemaker Crafts
Monday, December 30
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.

 

JANUARY

Minecraft Party
Thursday, January 2
2:00 pm – 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. Registration is not required.

 

DIY Wood Sign Craft
Friday, January 3
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Drop-in and create your own decorative wood sign using paint markers, buttons, and other embellishments. Registration is not required.

 

Lego Club
Tuesday, January 7
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.

 

Music & Movement with Dancer’s Edge
Wednesday, January 8
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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, January 8
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, December 18

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 9
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, December 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 January theme is Winter. Registration is required.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, January 14
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, December 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 books 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 16
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, December 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 January book is I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964 by Lauren Tarshis. Registration is required.

 

KinderConcert!
Saturday, January 18
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.

 

Movie & Popcorn for Kids
Monday, January 20
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 Wild Robot (2024) on the big screen while enjoying a free bag of popcorn. Registration is not required. 

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Rated PG – 101 minutes

 

Makerspace
Thursday, January 23
2:30 pm – 3:30 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.

 

Mini Golf at the Library
Friday, January 24
Time 1:00 pm – 5:00 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 25
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

Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day
Saturday, February 1
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 book related crafts, a book character eye spy game, and a variety of building activities. Stop by and join in the fun! Registration is not required.

 

Lego Club
Tuesday, February 4
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 5
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, January 8

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, February 11
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, January 14

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 books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The February theme is Friendship. Registration is required.

 

Drop-in Valentine’s Day Crafts
Friday, 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.

 

Lantern-Making Workshop with Doodles Academy
Monday, February 17
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration is required and begins Monday, January 20

Children in grades K-4 are invited to join us for an exciting lantern-making workshop. Explore the magic of tessellations and then put your creativity to work as you craft stunning paper lanterns. Using watercolors, oil pastels, and paper piercing techniques, you’ll design a lantern that casts colorful, intricate light displays—perfect for lighting up those winter nights! Don’t miss this chance to get creative and shine! Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, February 20
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, January 9

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 Pirates. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Saturday, February 22
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.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, February 27
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, January 16

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. In February we will all choose our own mystery book to read and discuss. There will be no book to pick up after registration this month. Registration is required.

 

MARCH

St. Patrick’s Day Story Time
Saturday, March 1
11:00 – 11:30 am
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Join us for this special story time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Geared for children ages five and under but everyone is welcome. A simple craft will follow the story time. Registration is not required.

 

Lego Club
Tuesday, March 4
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 5
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, February 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.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Friday, March 7
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 11
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, February 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 books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The March theme is Dinosaurs. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, March 13
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, February 20

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 Leprechauns. Registration is required.

 

Make Your Own Spring Break Craft Bag
Wednesday, March 19
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.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, March 20
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, February 27

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 will be a graphic novel. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, March 27
2:30 pm – 3:30 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.

 

Kids Zone

Enjoy this collection of librarian-tested websites for kids of all ages.  If you’re home and looking for things to do to keep busy, scroll down for a vast variety of resources to help. 

  •  All
  • Learning
  • Self Care
  • Activities
  • Book Characters

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Apply For A Library Card

We are now offering online library card registration.

Please fill out the form below to apply for a temporary Dexter District Library borrower’s card.

We will provide your card information via e-mail and send your physical card to your home address via standard postal mail.  If you need a Library card immediately, please visit the Library to register.  The Library is open to the public for registration and browsing materials.  Processing time for online registrations may vary and physical card delivery is dependent on postal mail.

A valid card number is required to access the Library’s electronic content.  This content is always available and can be accessed from home.

We require all new applicants to visit the Library building to complete the registration process and extend the expiration date of new cards beyond the temporary registration period.  

Our borrower’s cards are only available to residents of the Dexter School District, including students.  If you reside outside our service area, please check with your home library about getting a card.

Parents:  When registering a child for a Library card, please use a parental e-mail address.  Dexter Community School student e-mail addresses prevent receipt of all external e-mails, including those from the Library.


    Kids Catalog

    The Library now has a kid friendly catalog available.  It features a responsive design that will fit on almost any screen size and works well with touch controls.  Click the graphic below to access the new kids catalog.

     

    Wi-Fi Printing

    The Dexter District Library now offers wi-fi printing compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop!  For black and white, the price is $0.10 per page.  For full color, the price is $0.20 per page.

     

    Wireless Printing

    8/31/2021 – ATTENTION:  Support for iOS/Android has been added to the web based version of Smart Alec.  Please carefully read the new steps below.

    Please follow the directions below:  

     

    A. Click here for directions on how to upload your documents/photos to our print release station.

    These directions should now work for all devices, but legacy directions are listed below.

     Android Logo

    B. (NOTE:  Please try step A first) Click here for legacy directions for Android Devices

    Android Logo

    C. (NOTE:  Please try step A first) Click here for legacy directions for iPhone, iPad, iPod

     

     

     

    Michigan Activity Pass

    The Michigan Activity Pass presented by The Library Network program is a partnership between 638 public libraries, 11 library cooperatives, and 400+ destinations. The program is designed to enhance the learning experience for people of all ages through books and other library materials, and to provide reduced cost or complimentary access to arts and cultural organizations across the state of Michigan, from Monroe to Mackinaw City to Marquette, and all points in between.  All passes are issued online through the MAP site:

    http://MIActivityPass.org