June 15 through July 31
The Youth Summer Reading Programs are open to children and teens of all ages through grade 12.
Registration begins Monday, June 15. 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 22.
- 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 22.
- 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 22.
Complete all 6 weeks of the Summer Reading Program and turn in your reading record between Monday, July 27 and Sunday, August 9 to receive a goody bag and automatically be entered into the Final Prize Drawing to be held on Monday, August 10. 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.
“UNEARTH A STORY” SUMMER READING PROGRAM: June 15-July 31
Drop-In Summer Story Time at the Library
Monday & Thursday mornings at 11:00 am
June 22 – July 30
No registration required
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Drop-In Summer Story Time for toddlers and preschoolers will start on Monday, June 22 and run through Thursday, July 30. 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.
Baffling Bill Magic Show
Summer Reading Kick-Off Event
Monday, June 15
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Wolverine Glass
Prepare to be amazed by Baffling Bill the Magician and his sidekick, Gus the Bunny. This 40-minute show encourages summer reading through magic, audience participation and laughter. Refreshments will be served at the Farmers Market following the show. This event kicks off this year’s Summer Reading Program “Unearth a Story”. Registration is not required.
Drop-in Dinosaur Necklace Craft
Tuesday, June 16
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Celebrate our Summer Reading Program theme by creating your own necklace using a small toy dinosaur figure and lots of beads. Registration is not required.
Rock Painting
Wednesday, June 17
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 17 any time from 10:00 am until noon and choose a rock to paint. Registration is not required.
Imagine That! Musical Story Theatre Show
Saturday, June 20
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
What do an enchanted goose, a persnickety baby bunny, and four rather naughty sheep have in common? They’re all part of this Engaging and Interactive Musical-Story-Theatre show by Janet Marie & m’Archibald AND every member of the audience. Imagine That! is a lively, sing-along-do-along- just-for-fun show for family audiences of all ages. Registration is not required.
Makerspace
Tuesday, June 23
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.
Dinosaur Dioramas – (Dino-ramas)
Wednesday, June 24
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Session 2 – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration required and begins Friday, June 5
Build your own dinosaur habitat using recycled materials. Registration is required.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, June 25
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, May 14
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 Odder by Katherine Applegate. Registration is required.
Science Heroes: Digging It! Interactive S.T.E.M. Show
Friday, June 26
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Unearth your love for science in this fun and interactive S.T.E.M. show for the whole family. With help from audience volunteers, we’ll conduct exciting science experiments all about the changing states of matter, pressure, and more — while raising a shovel to scientists who work with dirt! If you didn’t already love science, you’ll really ‘dig it’ after seeing Science Heroes in action! Registration is not required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, June 30
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, June 2
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 a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The June theme is Dinosaurs. Registration is required.
JULY
Ice Cream Social for Dexter Library Card Holders and Drop-In Crafts
Wednesday, July 1
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 children of all ages. Registration is not required.
America 250 Celebration Crafts
Friday, July 3
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Celebrate America’s birthday by dropping in and making a variety of crafts. Registration is not required.
Lego Club
Monday, July 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.
Drop-in Pool Noodle Ocean Crafts
Tuesday, July 7
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Drop by the library and make a variety of crafts using pool noodle pieces. We’ll create boats, fish, and even a mini coral reef. Registration is not required.
Club Create Book Club
Thursday, July 9
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, June 4
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 Summer. Registration is required.
Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day
Friday, July 10
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 costumed character of a blue alien named “Stitchy” visiting from 10:30-11:30. Registration is not required.
KPop Demon Hunters Party
Tuesday, July 14
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Grades K-8
Drop-In Program
If you missed the KPop Demon Hunters Party this winter, you’re in luck! This is another chance to party like K-Pop superstars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey at the Library. Students in grades K-8 can drop in for crafts and activities inspired by the hit movie. Costumes are welcome! Registration is not required.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Fun of Flight Workshop
Wednesday, 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 19
School-aged children in grades K – 4 are invited to reserve a spot at one of the two sessions that are offered. Join the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for a one-hour STEAM program exploring fun of flight! We will push and pull our way to successful flights in this lab! Students will learn about the engineering process as they create a paper rocket and chart how far it flies. Registration is required.
Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show with Bright Star Touring Theatre
Friday, July 17
11:00 am – 11:45 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Step into the prehistoric world with Dino Academy! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat! Registration is not required.
Preschool Makerspace
Saturday, July 18
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.
Puppet Craft Workshop with Herdsmen Puppets
Tuesday, July 21
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Session 2 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration required and begins Tuesday, June 23
Children in grades K-4 are invited to reserve a spot at one of the two sessions to learn the basic art of puppetry. Build a one-of-a-kind rod puppet using various materials and create your own personal puppet show. Registration is required.
Drop-in 3-D Wood Butterfly Craft
Wednesday, July 22
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
Drop by the library and create a 3-D wood butterfly decoration for your home. Use colorful paint markers and jewels to make your creation unique. Registration is not required.
All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, July 23
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, June 25
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 Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey. Registration is required.
Live Reptile Program with The Reptarium
Friday, July 24
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
The Reptarium is bringing a variety of snakes, turtles, lizard, and more. Learn fun facts about each of the animals that are presented and ask all your reptile questions. Registration is not required.
Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, July 28
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, June 30
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 a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The July theme is Oceans. Registration is required.
Movie & Popcorn for Kids: Zootopia 2 (PG – 2025)
Wednesday, July 29
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 Zootopia 2 (2025) on the big screen while enjoying a free bag of popcorn. Registration is not required.
Brave rabbit cop Judy Hopps and her friend, the fox Nick Wilde, team up again to crack a new case, the most perilous and intricate of their careers.
Rated PG – 108 minutes
Drop-in Dinosaur Party
Thursday, July 30
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program
You are invited to a special dinosaur themed party at the Library. Get ready for an adventure as you explore a variety of stations with dinosaur crafts and activities. You will even get to adopt your own mini dinosaur. Registration is not required.
Cotton Candy Science Show
Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up Event
Friday, July 31
11:00 am – 12:00 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.
Lego Club
Monday, August 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.
Makerspace
Tuesday, August 4
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.
