Volunteer Highlights

The Friends of the Dexter District Library applaud all our volunteers for their efforts in support of the Library.  We have two different programs recognizing Friends’ efforts.

We celebrate our Friends through a Recognition Program that acknowledges those who have donated their time through levels of volunteer hours.  Friends contributing 50 hours receive bronze pins, at 100 hours volunteers receive silver pins and at the 250 hour level, volunteers receive gold pins, noting their service.  Recipients are sent a commendation letter from the President of the Friends with their pins.  Since the inception of the program, individual Friends achievements are highlighted below.

Yearly we also vote for and announce the “Volunteer of the Year.”  This individual has made significant contributions of time and effort as a Friend of the Library.  The Volunteer of the Year’s name is added to a plaque that hangs in the Friends’ room at the Library.

Without our many volunteers, we could not support the Dexter Library as we do.  Thank you to one and all.

Friends of the Library

Volunteer of the Year Award

Each year, the members of the Friends of the Library Board nominate individual volunteers for a special tribute.  The volunteer of the year has made significant contributions of time and effort as a Friend of the Library.   Voting by the Board takes place at the annual meeting in December, to which all Friends are invited.  All volunteers are eligible for nomination.  The Volunteer of the Year’s name is added to a plaque that hangs in the Friends’ room at the Library.  Without our many volunteers, we could not support the Dexter Library as we do.  Thank you one and all.   The Friends of the Library has honored the following volunteers for their outstanding service during a specific year as well as achievements over time.

2020 – Joelle Moroz

2019 – Mary Westhoff

2018 – Carolyn Tyson

2017 – Michael Raatz

2016 – Neil Reichard

2015 – Bob and Gloria Stephens

2014 – Tom and Heidi Ford

2013 – Rachel Kuo

2012 – Our book sorting crew: Jim Allan, Mary Aleksoff, Sharon Crawford, Sherri Munson and Susi Naperstek

2011 – Marilyn Raatz

Ways to Celebrate National Library Week

1. Visit your library online – https://dexter.lib.mi.us/digital-collections

While many libraries are temporarily closed due the current public health crisis, it’s a great time to explore the many digital resources they provide. Most libraries offer access to audiobooks, e-books, music and movies. Some are even finding ways to offer programs online, such as virtual storytimes, book clubs, and crafting sessions.

2. Try out our Digital Escape Room

Our “Find the Library at Your Place” Digital Adventure can be found here:

3. Say #ThankYouLibraries on social media

What's your favorite online library service? (pictured: woman wearing headphones in window working at computer)

While many libraries are temporarily closed due the current public health crisis, it’s a great time to explore the many digital resources they provide. Most libraries offer access to audiobooks, e-books, music and movies. Some are even finding ways to offer programs online, such as virtual storytimes, book clubs, and crafting sessions.

Celebrate National Library Week 2020 by sharing what you love about the virtual services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page,  about an e-book, audiobook, virtual storytime or bookclub, or how your library has made a difference while you’ve been social distancing at home. Use the hashtag #ThankYouLibraries and tag your library.  We’ll gather all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.  The promotion starts Sunday, April 19 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 25 at noon CT.  Official rules coming soon.

If you love your library, say it loud and proud: vocal community support helps libraries secure much-needed funding and reminds hardworking library staff that their efforts are appreciated. Participating in #ThankYouLibraries is a quick, easy way to help your library thrive!

4. Follow your library, ALA, and I Love Libraries on social media

Be sure to follow your library on social media so you don’t miss out on all they have to offer, including the most reliable information about keeping your family safe during the uncertain times.

Follow the American Library Association and I Love Libraries on social media and join us on social media by using the hashtags #NationalLibraryWeek and #LibrariesTransform.

5. Add our National Library Week frame to your Facebook profile picture

Cat using the National Library Week Fcebook frame
Show your support for libraries by adding our National Library Week frame to your Facebook profile picture.

Go to your profile on the Facebook app and tap “Edit” on your profile picture, then tap “Add Frame.”

If you don’t see it in the list search for “National Library Week.”

You can also download the frame and add it to your profile picture manually.

6. Post these digital graphics on your social media channels, blog, or website:

ShibSibs Graphics

Find the Library at Your Place Graphics

Find Your Place at the Library Graphics

Apply For A Library Card

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.


    Remembering Al Kaline

    Detroit legend Al Kaline, known to many as ‘Mr. Tiger’ in honor of his 22-year playing career and 67-year affiliation with the Detroit Tigers, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020 at the age of 85.


    Check out these books to learn more about Al Kaline’s life and legacy:


    An October to Remember 1968: The Tigers-Cardinals World Series as Told by the Men Who Played in It by Brendan Donley
    An October to Remember 1968 recalls one of baseball’s most celebrated championship series from the voices of the players who still remain–a collected narrative from a bygone era of major-league baseball as they reflect fifty years later. The book illustrates in detail what it was like to be a 1968 Tiger, a 1968 Cardinal: what it was like to win it all and to lose it all: what it was like to face Bob Gibson peering in from the mound, Al Kaline digging in at the plate; what it was like, in the player’s own words, to remember the days of that most special period in the history of America’s national pastime.
    Detroit Sluggers: The First 75 Years by Mark Rucker, Part of the Images of Baseball series
    Ever since the city was granted its first major-league team, the Wolverines in 1881, Detroit baseball fans have packed the parks to loyally cheer for their favorite sluggers at the plate. The Detroit ball club won its first National League pennant in 1887. Twenty years later, a rookie named Ty Cobb, at the start of a hall-of-fame career, led the league in batting and the Tigers to three successive American League pennants. Hank Greenberg, Rudy York, and Al Kaline joined the ranks of Motor City sluggers in the coming decades who thrilled fans with the long ball in pennant race after exciting pennant race.


    Joy In Tigertown: A Determined Team, a Resilient City, and our Magical Run to the 1968 World Series by Mickey Lolich with Tom Gage
    Told with the vibrant first-hand perspective of Lolich himself and the expertise of award-winning Detroit journalist Tom Gage, this is the remarkable saga of that 1968 season which culminated in Tigers glory. Incorporating new reflections from players and personnel, Joy in Tigertown traces such achievements as Denny McClain’s 31-win season as well as the remarkable slugging performances of Al Kaline, Norm Cash, Willie Horton, and Bill Freehan.
    Available on hoopla

    For Kids and Families:

    For The Love Of The Tigers: An A-to-Z Primer for Tigers Fans of All Ages by Frederick C. Klein
    Presents the alphabet with each letter represented by an element of the history of the Detroit Tigers and their most notable players. Readers will enjoy fun facts and amusing illustrations of some of the most famous—and infamous—characters in the baseball team’s history, including Ty Cobb, “Hammerin’ Hank” Greenberg, Ernie Harwell, Al Kaline, and Mickey Lolich.