Category: Spotlight

Summer Reading Program and Events for Children

Ruth Jansen

ADVENTURE BEGINS AT YOUR LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM: Friday, June 14 – Friday, August 2

The Youth Summer Reading Programs are open to children and teens of all ages through grade 12.

Registration begins Friday, June 14. 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 24.
  • 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 24.
  • 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 24.

Complete all 6 weeks of the Summer Reading Program and turn in your reading record between Monday, July 29 and Sunday, August 11 to receive a goody bag and automatically be entered into the Final Prize Drawing to be held on Monday, August 12. 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.

Drop-In Summer Story Time at the Library
Monday & Thursday mornings at 11:00 am
June 24 – August 1
No registration required
Toddlers and Preschoolers

Drop-In Summer Story Time for toddlers and preschoolers will start on Monday, June 24 and run through Thursday, August 1. We will be meeting in the Lower-Level Meeting Room. (No Story Time on Thursday, July 4).

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.

 

JUNE

GEMILY Concert in the park: Summer Reading Kick-Off Event
Friday, June 14
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program – Mill Creek Park North
Sponsored by Wolverine Glass

A free outdoor Family Concert will be performed at Mill Creek Park North, weather permitting by GEMILY (twin brothers San and Laz -their duo originally called Gemini – plus San’s daughter Emily. Gemini plus Emily equals GEMILY!) Refreshments will be served at the Farmers Market following the concert. This event kicks off this year’s Summer Reading Program “Adventure Begins at your Library”. Registration is not required.

 

Drop-in Bead Crafts
Tuesday, June 18
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Stop by the library and make bracelets, bubble wands, and other crafts using colorful pony beads. Registration is not required.

 

Adventure Rocks! Rock Painting
Wednesday, June 19
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 19 any time from 10:00 am until noon and choose a rock to paint. Registration is not required.

 

Adventure Stories with Storyteller Adam Mellema
Friday, June 21
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Chelsea State Bank

Celebrate Summer Reading and get ready to laugh as Storyteller Adam Mellema shares zany, high-energy adventure themed tales for the whole family. Registration is not required.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, June 25
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration required and begins Tuesday, May 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 children. Each month Miss Ruth will read books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The June theme is Adventure. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Wednesday, June 26
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.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, June 27
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration required and begins Thursday, May 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. Books will be available to pick up at the library after you register. Our June book is El Deafo by Cece Bell. Registration is required.

 

Ming the Magician
Friday, June 28
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Pearl Planning

Prepare to be amazed by Ming the Magician as he presents an adventure themed magic show. This 45-minute show encourages summer reading through magic, laughter and audience participation. Registration is not required.

 

Family Puzzle Race
Saturday, June 29
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Grade K and Up
Registration begins Friday, June 7

It’s a race to see which family will complete their puzzle first! The Library will provide each team with the same 300 piece puzzle and then the competition begins. Teams can have 3-6 people on them, but at least one adult is needed on a team. Space is limited. Registration is required.

 

JULY

Percy Jackson Party
Tuesday, July 2
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Grades 3 – 8
Drop-In Program

Calling all Percy Jackson fans! Celebrate the series with crafts, games, and activities. Anyone who loves the Percy Jackson series is welcome to drop in and join the fun! Registration is not required.

 

Imagine That! Musical Story Theatre Show
Wednesday, July 3
10:00 am – 10:45 am
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Verapose Yoga

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.

 

Pirate Stories & Crafts
Friday, July 5
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Join us for a special Family Story Time and craft program featuring pirates. Registration is not required.

 

Introduction to Performance Arts with the Motley Misfits
Tuesday, July 9
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Grades K – 4
Drop-In Program

Have you ever wanted to join the circus, or at least learn some of the skills you might see there? A performance artist from the Motley Misfits will demonstrate how to use flow props like hula hoops, poi, juggling hats, dancing silks, and spinning plates. You may even get a chance to try out some of these techniques! Registration is not required.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, July 10
1:30 – 2:30 pm
Kids and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, June 5

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. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, July 11
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration required and begins Thursday, June 6

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 Pets. Registration is required.

 

Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day
Friday, July 12
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 Blue Puppy costumed character. Registration is not required.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, July 16
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration required and begins Tuesday, June 25

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 children. Each month Miss Ruth will read books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The July theme is Summer. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Wednesday, July 17
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.

 

Aussie Didgeridoo and You
Friday, July 19
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Drop-In Program

Learn about Australian Aboriginal art, music and culture by joining us for this Australia-themed presentation featuring the unique instrument of the didgeridoo. Learn how a didgeridoo is made and hear a demonstration of various Australian indigenous animal calls such as the dingo and emu. Registration is not required.

 

Preschool Dinosaur Party
Saturday, July 20
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages 5 and under
Drop-In Program

Children ages 5 and under, along with their caregivers, 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. Registration is not required.

 

Creature Feature – Live Animal program
Tuesday, July 23
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Drop-In Program
Sponsored by Main Street Optometry

Join Dan the Creature Man as we meet and learn about a variety of animals in this fun and educational live animal Creature Feature show. Animals will include a chameleon, parrots, an alligator and more. Registration is not required.

 

Drop-in Pokemon Crafts & Games
Wednesday, July 24
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Calling all Pokemon trainers! Join us at the Library for crafts and games inspired by Pokemon. Design your own pokeball, make a pom-pom pokemon, and go on a Pokemon themed scavenger hunt. Registration is not required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, July 25
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration required and begins Thursday, June 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 July book is Good Dogs on a Bad Day by Rachel Wenitsky & David Sidorov. Registration is required.

 

Life-Size Candyland
Friday, July 26
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program

Enter the magical world of Candy Land at the Library!  See Candy Land come to life as a giant game board where you can participate in different Candy Land themed activities as you make your way through the game. Registration is not required.

 

Life-Size Candyland
Saturday, July 27
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program

Enter the magical world of Candy Land at the Library!  See Candy Land come to life as a giant game board where you can participate in different Candy Land themed activities as you make your way through the game. Registration is not required.

 

Lego Club
Tuesday, July 30
 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.

 

Ice Cream Social for Dexter Library Card Holders and Drop-In Crafts
Wednesday, July 31
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 all ages. Registration is not required.

 

AUGUST

Theatrica Gladatoria: Summer Reading Wrap-Up Event
Friday, August 2
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-In Program

Join the performers of Theatrica Gladiatoria as we embark through swashbuckling scenes of excitement and adventure. From times long ago in places far, far away to the here and now, take a trip with us as we tell stories through action! Registration is not required.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Tuesday, August 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.

 

Lego Club
Tuesday, August 27
 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.

Summer Reading Program and Events for Teens and Tweens

Mollie Hall

June 14 through August 2

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

Registration begins June 14. 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 24 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 29 and Sunday, August 11 to receive a goody bag and automatically be entered into the Final Prize Drawing to be held on Monday, August 12. 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 may be required for Teen and Tween events.

Summer Adventure Photo Contest

Friday, June 14 – Friday, August 2

Grades 5 through 12

Submit an original photo of your summer adventures 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: Dexter, Animals, and Summer. Deadline for all entries is Friday, August 2. Get more details on the event page.

MiLibraryQuest

Wednesday, June 19 – Wednesday, July 31

Grades 5 – 12

Virtual Event

Myths, Monsters, and a Summer of Virtual Adventure… Pack your bags for a summer camp unlike any other. Teens are invited to participate in MiLibraryQuest beginning on June 19. Stay tuned for future prophecy updates! Check out the MiLibraryQuest web site to get started.

Dexter teens and tweens can participate in the Quest for a chance to win a gift card to a local business. Complete virtually at any time on our own. Want to work on the Quest in person with other teens? Join us at the library on Monday, July 22 at 2:00 pm for our “Adventure Trivia and MiLibraryQuest” event.

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, June 18, 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Book: Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Registration begins Tuesday, May 21.
  • Tuesday, July 16, 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Book: Space Case by Stuart Gibbs. Registration begins Tuesday, June 18.

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 monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 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.

 

Introduction to Performance Arts with the Motley Misfits

Tuesday, July 9

2:30 – 3:15 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, June 11

Have you ever wanted to join the circus, or at least learn some of the skills you might see there? A performance artist from the Motley Misfits will demonstrate how to use flow props like hula hoops, poi, juggling hats, dancing silks, and spinning plates. You may even get a chance to try out some of these techniques!

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, July 10

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required; begins Wednesday, June 5

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.

 

Painting Workshop with Katie Rothley

Thursday, July 11

7:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, June 13

Get creative with this artist-guided painting experience. Librarian and artist Katie Rothley will show you how to paint a hot air balloon on canvas using acrylic paints.

 

Teen Movie, Pizza, and Craft

Thursday, July 18

6:00 – 8:30 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, June 25

Come to the library to watch Dungeons and Dragons: Honor among Thieves (2023, PG-13) on the big screen and make a dragon egg craft. Pizza dinner will be provided.

 

Adventure Trivia and MiLibraryQuest

Monday, July 22

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, June 25

Compete in a trivia challenge based around your favorite adventure-themed movies, books, series, and more! Then we’ll work together to solve this summer’s MiLibraryQuest challenge.

Creature Feature Teen/Tween Live Animal Program

Tuesday, July 23

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Wednesday, June 26

Dan Briere of The Little Creatures Co. will share a variety of wildlife in this fun and educational presentation for teens and tweens. Animals will include snakes, parrots, a giant African bullfrog, and more. This event is sponsored by Main Street Optometry.

Teens/Tweens-Only Life-Size Candyland

Friday, July 26

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, June 27

Join us for a special session of Life-Size Candyland especially for teens and tweens. Compete against friends in a giant version of the classic game, and see who will get to the Candy Castle first to win a prize.

 

Perler Bead Art

Tuesday, July 30

1:00 – 2:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, July 2

Join us for an awesome, casual craft. Follow a provided pattern, recreate your favorite character, or let your imagination run wild – the choice is yours. You can make art, keychains, jewelry, and more with these fusible beads.

 

Bad Art Night

Thursday, August 1

6:30 – 7:45 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, July 2

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.

Past events:

Sand Art and Summer Crafts

Monday, June 17

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Drop-in Program; No registration required

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

Introduction to Parkour

Monday, June 24

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Monday, June 3

Phoenix Freerunning Academy pros will teach all aspects of movement, specializing in parkour and freerunning. Learn how to jump, roll, balance, vault, and more during this fun, action-filled workshop. Phoenix Freerunning Academy is Michigan’s first gym devoted to parkour.

 

Hobbit Door Craft

Monday, July 1

Please register for only 1 session:

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Monday, June 3

If you’ve ever wanted to hang out with Hobbits in the shire or visit a fantasy world, this is the craft for you. Make a mini wreath that looks like a Hobbit or fairy door. Add your own touches to this unique decoration.

 

Percy Jackson Party

Tuesday, July 2

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Grades 3 – 8

Drop-in Program; No Registration required

Calling all Percy Jackson fans! Celebrate the book series and television show with crafts and activities. Anyone who loves the Percy Jackson series is welcome to drop in and join the fun!

OverDrive Reciprocal Lending Agreement – Updated 4/9/24

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:

  • Great Lakes Digital Libraries
  • Lakeland Library Cooperative
  • Metro Net Library Consortium
  • Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative
  • Midwest Collaborative for Library Services
  • 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 73,000 + titles, you have access to over 286,000 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
  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