June 15 through July 31
The Teen & Tween Summer Reading Program (SRP) is open to students entering grades 5 – 12 in the fall.
Registration begins June 15. You can participate online using the Beanstack web site or app, or participate in person using a paper log.
How the Teen Reading Program works:
- Register using your preferred method – online or in person.
- Read 2 or more hours a week.
- Check in at the Youth Reference Desk each week beginning June 22 and get a scratch-off ticket and reveal your prize.
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.
Teen & Tween Events – See each event page for more details and to register. Registration is required for most Teen and Tween events.
Tween & Teen Summer Photo Contest
Wednesday, June 17 – Friday, July 31
Grades 5 through 12
Submit an original photo for a chance to win a gift card. Be sure to get creative and have fun! Submit up to one photo in each of three different categories: Animals, Summer, and America the Beautiful. Deadline for all entries is Friday, July 31. More details can be found on the Library’s web site.
Wednesday, July 1 – Friday, July 31
Grades 5 – 12
Virtual Event
In a world where dinosaurs and humans are enemies, a mysterious force will try to bring them together. Dexter teens and tweens can virtually participate in the Quest starting on July 1 for a chance to win a gift card. Complete this activity virtually at any time on our own. Visit www.mi.gov/MiLibraryQuest to learn more.
Teen Advisory Group (TAG)
Grades 7-12
Registration required
Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet during the summer to eat a pizza lunch, give input on events, and work with other teens to help make the Library an even better place!
- Thursday, June 18, 1:00 – 2:30 pm – Registration begins Saturday, May 9
- Saturday, July 11, 1:00 – 2:30 pm – Registration begins Thursday, June 18
Tween Book Club
Grades 5 and 6
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, June 30, 1:30 – 2:30 pm – Book: All the Ways to Go by Jessie Janowitz. Registration begins Tuesday, May 12.
- Tuesday, July 21, 1:30 – 2:30 pm – Book: Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Registration begins Tuesday, June 30.
Makerspace
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.
- Tuesday, June 23, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
- Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
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.
- Monday, June 1, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
- Monday, July 6, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
- Monday, August 3, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
Wednesday, June 3
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Wednesday, May 6
If you enjoy playing chess, join us for our monthly chess games. 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.
Teen/Tween Crochet Crafternoon
Saturday, June 6
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Wednesday, May 6
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!
Tuesday, June 16
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Tuesday, May 26
Teens and tweens can create sand art and make other fun summer crafts.
Theatre Workshop with OpenSpot Theatre
Monday, June 22
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required, begins Monday, June 1
OpenSpot Theatre will lead a teen and tween theatre workshop this summer. Let’s go on with the show! It’s an introduction to theatre! In one hour learn the basics of singing, dancing, acting, and script writing. At the end of our time together we will put on a mini-play that the students will write and perform in. It’s a lot of fun! This program is sponsored by Chelsea State Bank.
Friday, June 26
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Grades 5 through 12
Registration required; begins Friday, May 15
Join us for an evening of MTG tournament-style play. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 5 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend. Pizza dinner with also be provided. This event is co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter and 5 Healthy Towns.
Shadow Puppetry Workshop with Alex Thomas & Friends
Monday, June 29
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Friday, June 5
Teens and tweens can learn the art of designing, crafting, and performing their own shadow puppets with instruction from Alex Thomas and Friends.
Ice Cream Social and Drop-in Crafts
Wednesday, July 1
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
All Ages; Ice Cream for DDL Cardholders
Drop-in program; no registration required
Show your Dexter District Library card and receive FREE ice cream – located in front of the Library. During our Ice Cream Social, there will be a variety of drop-in crafts on the lower level for all ages. This event is sponsored by Dexter Creamery.
Wednesday, July 8
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Grades 7 – 9
Registration required; begins Monday, June 8
Teens entering grades 7 through 9 in the fall are invited to Books and Bites book club. Join us each month to eat snacks and talk about books with other teens. Read something new, or discuss books and series you’ve already read. This session: bring a graphic novel to discuss with the group.
Ice Cream Cone Paint on Canvas
Thursday, July 9
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Thursday, June 11
Teens and tweens can take part in an evening of painting. We’ll follow an online tutorial provided by Step by Step Painting by Tracie Kiernan. Use acrylic paints to create an ice cream cone on your canvas, then add your own unique touches.
Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day
Friday, July 10
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-in program; no registration required
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 a special costumed character “Stitchy” the blue alien from 10:30 – 11:30 am. This family fun event is free and open to everyone.
DIY Giant Beaded Gecko Craft
Monday, July 13
Please register for only 1 session:
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Friday, June 12
Create a super-sized version of a pony bead gecko. Use rope and pool noodles to make this ‘90s-inspired craft to use in the pool or just for fun.
Tuesday, July 14
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Grades K – 8
Drop-in program; no registration required
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 between 2:00 and 3:00 pm for crafts and activities inspired by the hit movie. Costumes are welcome!
Thursday, July 16
6:00 – 8:15 pm
Grades 7 – 12
Registration required; begins Thursday, June 18
Teens can come to the library to watch Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13) on the big screen and make crafts. Pizza dinner will be provided.
Monday, July 20
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Tuesday, June 23
Learn how to jump, roll, balance, vault, and more parkour skills during this fun, action-filled workshop taught by pros from Phoenix Freerunning Academy.
Teen/Tween Live Reptile Program with the Reptarium
Friday, July 24
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Wednesday, June 24
Teens and tweens will get to see a variety of reptiles from the Reptarium up close in an educational and fun session just for grades 5 through 12.
Teen/Tween Tie Dye with SRSLY Dexter
Monday, July 27
1:00 – 2:30 pm
Grades 5 through 12
Registration required; begins Tuesday, June 30
Make your own tie-dye creation. Create a colorful T-shirt, bandana, or pair of socks. All supplies will be provided. This event is co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.
Thursday, July 30
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Grades 5 – 12
Registration required; begins Tuesday, July 2
We’re wrapping up the Teen and Tween Summer Reading Program with an Uno tournament! Whether you’re an Uno master or a first-time player, compete in a series of fun, fast-paced rounds of the card game. See if you can rack up the most points and become the Uno champion! Pizza dinner will also be served.
