Category: Teens

Summer Reading Program and Events for Teens and Tweens

Mollie Hall

June 16 through August 1

The Teen & Tween Summer Reading Program (SRP) is open to students entering grades 5 – 12 in the fall.

Registration begins June 16. 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 23 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 28 and Sunday, August 10 to receive a goody bag and automatically be entered into the Final Prize Drawing to be held on Monday, August 11. 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.

MiLibraryQuest

Monday, June 16 – Thursday, July 31

Grades 5 – 12

Virtual Event

Paintings have been stolen from museums across Michigan! The subjects of the paintings have come to life to leave you some clues to where they’ve been taken and who might have done it. Can you catch the thief? Dexter teens and tweens can participate in the Quest starting on June 16 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.

“Color Our World” Photo Contest

Wednesday, June 18  – Friday, August 1

Grades 5 through 12

Submit an original photo of the colorful world around you 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: Colors of Nature, Work of Art, and Pet Portrait. Deadline for all entries is Friday, August 1. More details will be found on the Library’s web site.

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!

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, June 24, 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Book: The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day. Registration begins Tuesday, May 20.
  • Tuesday, July 2, 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Book: Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas. Registration begins Tuesday, June 24

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.

Magic: The Gathering

Grades 5-12

Grades 5-12

Join us for MTG tournament-style play. Prizes awarded to top players. Everyone in grades 6 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.

Sand Art and Summer Crafts

Tuesday, June 17

2:30 – 3:15 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, May 27

Teens and tweens can create sand art and make other fun summer crafts.

 

Comics Workshop with Meggie Ramm

Monday, June 23

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required, begins Monday, June 2

Meggie Ramm, author and artist of the Batcat series, will present their workshop “Emanata: The Secret Code of Comics” for teens and tweens this summer. Bring your comics to life with emanata! Emanata are the stars that appear when Wile E. Coyote collides with a wall or the squiggles that show your character busting a sick dance move. In this class we’ll decode the various emanata that you can use to bring your characters and stories to life!

 

Chess Club

Monday, June 30

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required; begins Wednesday, June 4

If you enjoy playing chess, join us for a special session of Chess Club this summer. 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 for this event.

 

Teen/Tween Live Animal Program with Creature Conservancy

Tuesday, July 1

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, June 10

Teens and tweens will get to see a variety of animals up close in an educational and fun session just for grades 5 through 12.

 

Minecraft Party

Tuesday, July 8

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Grades K – 8

Drop-in program; no registration required

If you missed the Minecraft party this winter or want to relive the fun, you’re in luck! This is another chance to celebrate 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.

 

Sword Fighting Workshop

Wednesday, July 9

Please register for only 1 session:

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Wednesday, June 11

Combat performance group Theatrica Gladiatoria will demonstrate the art of theatrical sword fighting. This is also a hands-on workshop where you’ll get to try it yourself, so be ready to move!

 

Teen/Tween Tote Bag Decorating

Monday, July 14

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, June 12

Decorate your own tote bag using fabric paint! Perfect for carrying library books, beach accessories, and more! All supplies will be provided.

 

Painting Workshop with Katie Rothley

Thursday, July 17

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, June 19

Get creative with this artist-guided painting experience. Librarian and artist Katie Rothley will show you how to create an abstract kaleidoscope-inspired painting on canvas using acrylic paints.

 

Teen Movie, Pizza, and Craft

Thursday, July 24

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, June 26

Teens can come to the library to watch Twisters (2024, PG-13) on the big screen and make crafts. Pizza dinner will be provided.

 

Bad Art Afternoon

Friday, July 25

2:30 – 3:45 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Friday, June 27

Come to the library to create the worst art you can make. That’s right – don’t worry about making something good, just enjoy the creative process! Many materials will be on hand for you to make your disasterpiece. At the end, we’ll vote on a “worst of the worst” to win a trophy commemorating their achievement.

 

Sweet Treat Mosaics

Monday, July 28

2:00 – 2:45 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, July 1

Want to get creative while satisfying your sweet tooth? Try your hand at making a mosaic using frosting and candies.

 

Life-Size Clue

Thursday, July 31

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, July 1

We’re finishing the Teen and Tween Summer Reading Program with a life-size version of the classic board game Clue! Channel your inner detective as you move around the board, making guesses and trying to find out “whodunit.” Pizza dinner will also be served.

Spring Teen and Tween Events

Mollie Hall

Pick up a copy of the seasonal 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.

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.

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.

  • Friday, March 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, February 7.
  • Friday, April 4, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, March 7
  • Friday, May 16, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, April 4

 

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, March 18,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Snapdragon by Kat Leyh. Registration begins Tuesday, February 25.
  • Tuesday, April 15,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson. Registration begins Tuesday, March 18.
  • Tuesday, May 20, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Read a book (fiction, nonfiction, or graphic novel) that features your favorite sport or hobby to discuss at book club. Check out a book from the Library or bring a book from home. Registration begins Tuesday, April 15.

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.

Teen/Tween Crochet Crafternoon

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required

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!

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.

Wicked Movie, Pizza, and Crafts

Monday, March 24

1:30 – 4:15 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Monday, February 24

Come to the library to watch Wicked (2024, PG) on the big screen and make crafts. Pizza lunch will be provided.

Teen Hunger Games Party

Wednesday, March 26

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required; begins Wednesday, February 26

Join us for a special teens-only program to celebrate the release of the next book in the Hunger Games series – Sunrise on the Reaping. Do activities relating to the popular book series, plus attend to have a chance to win a copy of the book.

Pop-Art Pet and Animal Portraits

Saturday, May 17

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Thursday, April 17

Show off your furry friend and create a portrait anyone can paint! Trace an image of your pet or favorite animal, then use colorful watercolors to add pop and personality in this program inspired by artist Andrea Nelson.

 

Summer Adventure Photo Contest

Mollie Hall

This photo contest ran from June 14 through August 2 as part of the Summer Reading Program at Dexter District Library. Teens and tweens entering grades 5 through 12 in the fall could enter up to one photo in each of three categories: Summer, Animals, and Dexter. Library staff selected 2 winners in each category to receive a prize. See the entries below! Be sure to click/select to see the full image.

You can also see the entries in the Teen Zone at the Library until early September.

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No More Images

 

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.

    magic the gathering

    Magic: The Gathering

    Mollie Hall

    Join us monthly during the school year for pizza dinner and MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  Prizes awarded to top players.  Everyone in grades 5 through 12 with knowledge of game play and rules is invited to attend.  Bring a Commander deck to each session. See below for tournament dates or check our Events Calendar. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter and 5 Healthy Towns.

    Upcoming dates:

    March 7

    April 4

    May 16

    Contact:  Mollie Hall mhall@dexter.lib.mi.us

    Teen Advisory Group (TAG)

    Mollie Hall

    The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library.  Join us to help give input, plan programs and volunteer at youth and teen events. We also have pizza lunch each month!  TAG meets on select Saturdays each month during the school year, and on various dates during the summer. New members are always welcome.

    Check our Teen & Tween Events calendar for meeting dates!

    Contact:  Mollie Hall, mhall@dexter.lib.mi.us

    Computer and Internet Access

    Mollie Hall

    teenzone

    Computers for Public Use:

    The Dexter District Library has 4 public use computer terminals for teens ages 13 through 17 located in the Teen Zone.  These computers have Windows 7 and are loaded with the Microsoft Office 2016 suite.  Full color printing is available for $0.20 a page.  Black & White printing is available at $0.10 a page.


    General Rules for Internet Use:

    1. Hardware and Software settings may not be changed.
    2. Users will respect all copyright laws.
    3. Users saving files from the Internet to their own disks do so at their own risk. The Library assumes no responsibility for viruses transmitted from the Internet to disks through the use of Library computers.
    4. Any users caught hacking into computer systems or disrupting the functions of other computer systems will have their Internet use privileges revoked.
    5. Users will not use the Library terminals to violate any Federal, state or local laws or to engage in unethical behavior.
    6. Users can be held financially liable for damage to the Library’s equipment and software.

     

    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

     

     

     

    Group Study Rooms

    Scott Wright

    The Library has three group study rooms available on the second floor.  Groups may call ahead to reserve a room – individuals may only use the rooms on a walk-in basis.  Reservations can be taken for the current week and the following week.  Every Monday, the next week opens up to reservations.

    To reserve a group study room, please call 734-426-4477 and ask for the Adult Reference Desk.  For the study room policy, see attached:

    Teen Reading Lists

    Scott Wright