Category: Spotlight

winter youth programs

Winter Events for Children

Ruth Jansen

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.

 

Winter Teen and Tween Events

Mollie Hall

Pick up a copy of the Fall Teen & Tween brochure and the monthly youth department calendars at the Library or download PDFs 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.

Winter Reading Bingo Challenge

Monday, December 2 – Friday, January 3

Youth 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.

Chess Club

Kids and Teens

Registration required

Kids and teens: if you enjoy playing chess, join us! 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.

 

Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

Grades 7-12

Registration required

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet during the summer to enjoy a pizza lunch then work on projects for the Summer Reading Program. TAG members also have the opportunity to help out at several events throughout the summer. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

Tween Book Club

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required

Tween Book Club is for students in grades 5 through 7. Read this month’s book or theme and then join us for icebreakers, snack, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the month’s book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

  • Tuesday, December 17, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Read a graphic novel or comic of your choice to discuss at book club. Check out a book from the Library or bring a book from home. Registration begins Tuesday, November 19.
  • Tuesday, January 28,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson. Registration begins Tuesday, December 17.
  • Tuesday, February 25,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz. Registration begins Tuesday, January 28.

makerspaceMakerspace

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.

Lego Club

Grades K-8

Drop-in Program; No registration required

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.

Magic: The Gathering

Grades 5-12

Join us for MTG tournament-style play on select Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 5 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Please bring a Commander deck to each session. This event is co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 Hot Cocoa & Crafts

Saturday, December 14

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, November 14

Enjoy a hot cocoa bar and snacks with your friends, then make some simple and fun crafts that could make great gifts for friends and loved ones.

Pizza and Games

Thursday, December 26

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, November 26

Eat pizza and play games with friends. We’ll have ping pong, foosball, and a variety of board and card games available to play.

Minecraft Party

Thursday, January 2

2:00 – 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.

Cookies and Canvas

Saturday, January 4

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, December 4

Have a sweet treat while you paint to your heart’s content. We’ll supply the paint, brushes, canvases, and cookies – you bring your creativity.

Teen/Tween Crochet Crafternoon

Monday, January 20

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Monday, December 16

Join us for a chance to learn crochet or practice your skills. Beginners and more advanced teen and tween crocheters are welcome. Learn a new project or bring in what you’ve been working on!

Winter Fantasy Book Nook Craft

Saturday, February 8

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Wednesday, January 8

What’s a book nook? Also called a bookshelf diorama, this is a decoration you can put on your bookshelf to make it look like there’s a magical mini world between your favorite books. Construct your very own winter-themed fantasy landscape with miniatures and craft supplies.

Teen Tech Take-Apart

Monday, February 17

2:00 – 3:15 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required; begins Friday, January 17

Teens: Do you like learning how things work? Ever wanted to take something apart? This is your chance! Join us to use tools to deconstruct small electronics and see what makes them tick. Then we’ll use the disassembled pieces to create art.

Oreo Cookie Challenge

Saturday, March 8

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required; begins Friday, February 7

Satisfy your taste buds and your competitive side in this fun program. Sample a variety of Oreo flavors and determine the best one, plus compete in Minute to Win It games using cookies.

OverDrive Reciprocal Lending Agreement – Updated 10/3/24

Scott Wright

Did you know that Dexter District Library is now part of an agreement with many other Michigan cooperatives sharing access to our Libby collections?

Partner Libraries are currently:

  • Genesee District Library (added 10/3/2024)
  • Great Lakes Digital Libraries
  • Lakeland Library Cooperative
  • Metro Net Library Consortium
  • Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative
  • Midwest Collaborative for Library Services
  • Saint Clair County Library System (added 10/3/2024)
  • Suburban Library Cooperative
  • Traverse Area District Library (added 4/9/2024)
  • Up North Library Cooperative
  • White Pine Library Cooperative
  • Woodlands Library Cooperative

This means that including our 75,000+ titles, you have access to over 376,000 additional titles!

To access the Partner Library collections on your computer, simply click the “Partner libraries” button in the upper right corner of Download Destination.

On the Libby app, follow these steps to add our Partner Libraries to your account:

  1. Open the menu (found in the bottom center) inside Libby
  2. Select “Add Library“
  3. Search for a Partner Library – their names are listed in red above
  4. Select “Sign In With My Card“
  5. Under Partner Libraries select Dexter District Library
  6. Enter your library card and pin.
    Tip:  You can long hold on the library card number after typing it, then select copy.  When you arrive at this step again, long hold and press paste to save time.
  7. You are now shopping on that Partner Library’s Libby collection
  8. Repeat the process to add the rest of the Partner Libraries
  9. You may toggle between Library collections using the menu in the bottom center inside Libby

Please note that hold priority is given to patrons borrowing from their home library collection.

Introducing iVox

Scott Wright

iVox is a children’s book app for ages 3-8, which engages and delights curious young minds with the latest in storytelling technology; part eBook, part audiobook and part virtual pop-up. Children follow along with the exciting stories while interacting with 3D characters and scenes – immersed in the narrative like never before.  iVox has replaced our subscription to Tumblebooks.

To access iVox, please use the link on our Downloads page or install the app on your Android, Apple, or Kindle Fire device.

Special Collections

Scott Wright
LEL

LinkedIn Learning

Scott Wright

LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is a video training database with:

  • 16,000+ online courses in 7 languages.
  • Expert Instructors with real-world experience.
  • 60 new courses added each week!
  • Courses cover: Leadership, Project Management, Excel, Sales, Job Hunting, Cloud Computing, Python, DevOps, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Photography, Videography, 3D and Animation, CAD, and much more.

Log in using your Dexter District Library card that begins with 29221 and your pin.  If you are a Dexter resident and have one of our older cards beginning with 29082, stop by the Library to upgrade for free.

For the mobile app – use LibraryID: dexterdistrictlibrary

Kanopy and Creativebug

Kanopy & Creativebug

Scott Wright

The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available free to Dexter District Library patrons. Library cardholders whose cards begin with 29221 can access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming films instantly by visiting https://dexter.kanopy.com. If you have one of our older library cards that begins with 29082, please stop by the Library and we’ll upgrade it free.

Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for Android/Chromecast, iOS/AppleTV, Amazon Fire Tablets (not sticks), or Roku.  You may check out up to 10 titles (plays) per card, per month.  The loan period is 72 hours (3 days.)  Click here for help with Kanopy.

Get the App for:

kanopy for roku

Creative Bug

Dexter District Library cardholders can now access Creativebug by Jo-Ann, the award-winning destination for high-quality online arts and crafts video classes. With it, you can enjoy unlimited access to over 1,000 video classes taught by experts with new classes added daily. Here are a few key features:

  • Over 1,000 ad-free, concisely edited classes in HD video including:
    • Drawing
    • Painting
    • Sewing
    • Knitting
    • Crocheting
    • Quilting
    • Baking
  • New classes from top artists released every day
  • Downloadable patterns, templates, and recipes
  • Access to Creativebug community galleries and forum

HOW IT WORKS

Creativebug is currently available on laptops, desktops, tablets, and mobile phones via the Creativebug app or web browser. The Creativebug app is available via the App Store and Google Play. With the app, you can download your class and take it on the go.

Create a Creativebug account here using your Dexter District Library card that begins with 29221:
https://www.creativebug.com/lib/dexterlib
(Do you still have a library card that begins with 29082?  Please stop by the Library and upgrade it free.)

Once you’ve created an account, you will use that to access the features such as My Library, My Watchlist, and My Gallery.

Hotspots and laptop kits

Hotspots and Laptop/Hotspot Kits

Scott Wright

Mobile hotspots from AT&T, Mobile Beacon, T-Mobile, and Verizon available for checkout.
Click here to view the hotspots and place a hold.

We also have laptop / hotspot combo kits available.
Click here to view the laptop/hotspot kits and place a hold.

Goal

Our goal of providing a hotspot collection is to allow Dexter District Library patrons with valid Dexter District Library cards the opportunity to test a particular carrier before purchasing their own device and for temporary uses such as vacations, education, employment, special projects, etc. They are not intended to provide patrons with permanent Internet access.

Due to our government contracts with AT&T, Mobile Beacon, and T-Mobile – we are able to offer hotspots with no data caps and no throttling.  Be aware that such contracts may not be available to you as an individual; or, if they are available, they may be prohibitively expensive.  Our Verizon hotspots have unlimited monthly data, but will enforce a speed cap of 500 Kbps after 30GB of monthly usage.

Policy

In order to make our hotspots more widely available to our patrons, the following rules will be enforced regarding holds:

  1. Holds will be limited to ONE per Item Queue per household per 30 days (Household – a family or occupants residing at the same address.)
  2. Holds not picked up within 7 days will be released as per standard procedure.
  3. Thank you for your cooperation and please, if you are unable to pick up your hotspot — let us know so that we can check it out to the next person on our waiting list and replace your hold.

 

Checking out a Dexter District Library Hotspot / Laptop Kit

If there are hotspots/laptops available, take an item tag from the hanging display near the second floor computer lab.

Give the tag to the Adult Librarian and they will retrieve the item and then accompany you to the circulation desk to checkout.  A valid Dexter District Library card required.

Two week checkout, no renewals, $1 per day overdue fine

If the hotspot is 10 days overdue the data plan will be canceled and the hotspot will cease to function. You will be billed the complete cost of the kit (see more information.)

Return the hotspot to our Checkout Desk. Please DO NOT return to another library or put the hotspot in the outdoor book drop.  All items will be cleaned/inspected by Library staff before recirculating.  Laptops will be purged of all user data so be sure to save your work to a flash drive or email it to yourself before returning the laptop.

 

Using a Dexter District Library Hotspot / Laptop Kit

Turn the hotspot on (see instructions inside the case for details).

On your device (computer, tablet, phone etc) go to your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the DexLib(Carrier)(Number) network. It will look something like DexLibSPR01 or DexLibVER02.  When prompted enter the password: libhotspot (all lowercase).  If you are using one of our laptop kits, it will automatically connect with the associated hotspot once both are powered on.

Notes

You DO NOT need to unlock the hotspot. You just need to turn it on using the directions provided in the case.

Signal strength will show up as bars on the the hotspot screen.

It is possible, depending on where you live, that the hotspot you check out will have no signal and therefore not function.  This is one of the goals of our project, to help you to identify this situation without committing to any contracts.

More Information

Each hotspot can support up to 10 devices connecting to them at once and have 30-40 foot range.

If the device is overdue by 10 days, the data plan will be canceled and the patron will be billed.  Laptops will be remotely deactivated.

If the hotspot/laptop kit is lost or damaged, the Library will deactivate the data plan on the device and will charge the patron the cost for replacement. The hotspot (depending on the carrier) costs between $92 and $199 to replace.  The laptop costs $959.85.

The whole laptop kit costs between $1159 and $1267 to replace.

Hotspots only work in the continental United States.  They do not work internationally, including Canada.

Hotspots are meant to be placed on a table or shelf – Please do not tape or adhere the devices to any surface.

You may see signal strength variations on the hotspot depending on where you have placed it inside your home.  Move it around to locate the best signal strength.

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