Category: Children

Spring Youth Programs

Spring Events for Children

Ruth Jansen

The Dexter District Library offers a variety of youth programs including Story Times, book clubs, STEM events, and craft programs. Some programs may require registration. Please read the program description carefully when registering for an event.

 

SPRING STORY TIMES

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
March 24 – May 8
Lower Level Large Meeting Room

No registration required

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 Story Time

Toddler Small Group Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am
Preschool Small Group Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am
March 26 – May 7
First Floor Youth Program Room

Registration required and begins on Monday, March 3

 

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.

 

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.

 

Creature Conservancy’s Live Animal Program for Grades K-4
Tuesday, March 25
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Session 2 – 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration required

School-aged children in grades K – 4 are invited to reserve a spot at one of the sessions to see live animals, such as a sloth or armadillo, up close. To minimize stress on the animals, the audience size will be limited and age restrictions will be observed. Any adults accompanying K-4th grade children must also register to reserve a spot. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, February 25.

 

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.

 

Dog Man Party
Friday, March 28
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Drop in and celebrate all things Dog Man! This Supa Awesome Party will include crafts, games, and activities inspired by your favorite Dav Pilkey character. Registration is not required

 

Drop-In Duck Decorating Craft
Saturday, March 29
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grades K – 8

Drop-In Program

Join us at the Dexter District Library for a Drop-In Duck Decorating craft. Transform ordinary rubber ducks into imaginative creations. We’ll have a variety of art supplies so you can decorate your duck however you’d like! Registration is not required.

 

Movie & Popcorn for Kids
Moana 2 (PG – 2024)
Monday, March 31
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 Moana 2 (2024) on the big screen while enjoying a free bag of popcorn. Registration is not required. 

“Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Rated PG – 100 minutes

 

APRIL

Lego Club
Tuesday, April 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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, April 2
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, March 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.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, April 8
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, March 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 April theme is Spring. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, April 10
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, March 13

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 April theme is Spring. Registration is required.

 

Cotton Candy Science Show
Saturday, April 12
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Check out the sweetest science show around and discover the delicious science of cotton candy. Learn how it’s made, who invented it, see some fun experiments done with this wonderful, sugary treat, and have an opportunity to try some at the end of the show. Children of all ages will enjoy this fascinating program.  Registration is not required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, April 17
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, March 20

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 April book will be The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, April 24
4:30 pm – 5:30 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 Spring Crafts
Saturday, April 26
Children of all ages
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Drop-In Program

Celebrate the season by decorating a flower photo frame and creating a Cheerio bird feeder. Registration is not required

 

MAY

Lego Club
Tuesday, May 6
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, May 7
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, April 2

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, May 8
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, April 10

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 May theme is Flight. Registration is required.

 

KinderConcert!
Saturday, May 10
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.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, May 13
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, April 8

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 May theme is Transportation. Registration is required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, May 15
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, April 17

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 May book will be The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. Registration is required.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Saturday, May 17
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.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, May 22
4:30 pm – 5:30 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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, June 4
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, May 7

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, June 5
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, May 8

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 June theme is Color Our World. Registration is required.

Kids Zone

Scott Wright

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

Do you like this page?  Share with your friends on your facebook page.

Apply For A Library Card

Scott Wright

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

    Scott Wright

    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

    Scott Wright

    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

    3/10/2025 – New options for emailing print jobs to the release station, printing from Google Drive, and printing a URL directly have been added.
    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

     

     

     

    Picture Book Reading Lists

    Scott Wright

    Michigan Activity Pass

    Scott Wright

    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 

    Introduction to Story Times

    Scott Wright

    4-youthactivitiesroom

    Many parents and caregivers are not aware of the planning and preparation it takes to present a 30 minute story time here at the Library. The planning process begins with choosing a theme for each week, particularly one that would be of interest to a toddler or preschool child. Examples of themes often used are Farm, Pond or Jungle Animals, Bedtime, Bath Time, Pets, Monsters, Dinosaurs and Transportation as well as concept themes such as Colors, Counting, Opposites and Shapes. Age appropriate books that are entertaining to small children are then selected, action rhymes are prepared to encourage enjoyment of the rhythm of language, a variety of visual aids are selected to keep a child’s interest during the sessions and songs for dancing or singing are added because very young children are not expected to sit still and listen for 30 minute intervals.

    Dexter District Library also has a wide variety of programming materials for story times. There are over 300 interactive, pop-up and lift-the-flap books in our Professional Collection and our story time cupboards hold a huge collection of hand puppets, finger puppets, story telling kits, literacy bags, flannel board pieces, rhythm sticks and other materials that encourage the love of reading. The Friends of the Dexter District Library have also purchased several popular children’s books in big book format to add to the Professional Collection and an easel to hold the books, making it easier to read and show during story times. This collection has become very useful when children need to sit and listen to a book for a longer period of time.

    Attendance at story times is often a child’s first introduction to the many services offered by the Dexter District Library. When the program is geared to their interests with the knowledge of what is developmentally appropriate for their age group, the Library has the opportunity to create life-long readers and Library users in the Dexter Community. It is with this knowledge in mind, that story times are carefully planned and implemented to introduce the entertaining side of literature to young children.

    Tips for Story Time Success

    For many children this will be their first group experience. The following tips will help to make it a happy one:

    • Participate:  Please join in the activities and save interactions with other parents until after the program. Children love to see their grown-ups listening and participating in story times.
    • Minimize distractions: Plan to arrive early. Snacks or toys should be put away and cell phones should be silenced before story times begin.
    • Be prepared for bad days: It’s okay, sometimes children just have bad days and we understand.  If your child becomes very restless or uncooperative, please step outside the story time room for a few moments to regroup. If you need to leave the session for the day, please come back the following week.
    • Relax: There is no expectation that your child will sit still and participate in every activity. Music and movement is incorporated into our all of our story times to keep it interesting and fun.
    • Bring it back home:  Plan to check out books each week for you and your child to read at home together.
    • Ask for help:  Our Library staff is available to assist you in selecting which story time is right for your child, to guide you in choosing appropriate books and materials, and to provide information about other library services.
    • Visits from groups:  Our weekly story times are designed for individual children and their parent or caregiver. Arrangements for a daycare, school or other group field trips should be made in advance.
    • Keep it healthy:  If you suspect that your child is coming down with something, has a fever or is still coughing or sneezing after a bad cold, please skip a session until they are feeling 100% again.