Category: Spotlight

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
  • 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 68,000 + titles, you have access to over 250,000 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.

Spring Youth Programs

Spring Events for Children

Ruth Jansen

This Spring the Dexter District Library offers a variety of youth programs including Story Times, book clubs, STEM events, and craft programs. Some programs may required registration. Please read the program description carefully when registering for an event.

 

SPRING STORY TIMES

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
March 25 – May 9
Lower Level Large Meeting Room

 No registration required

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 Story Time

Toddler Small Group Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am
Preschool Small Group Story Time on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am
March 27 – May 8
First Floor Youth Program Room 

Registration required and begins on Monday, March 4

 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.

 

MARCH

Lego Club
Tuesday, March 5
4:30 – 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 6
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, February 7

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 8
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 12
4:30 – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, February 13

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 March theme is Reptiles and Amphibians. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, March 14
 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, February 8

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 Games & Puzzles. Registration is required

 

Drop-In Ballet Story Time and Preview Performance
Friday, March 15
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Children of all ages

Drop-In Program

Join us for a special Ballet Story Time and then watch Chelsea Ballet, who will share a preview of their spring ballet, Cinderella. We’ll begin with a short story time, followed by dancers performing parts of their show while in costume. Registration is not required.

 

Make an Activity Bag for Spring Break
Tuesday, March 19
4:30 am – 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 21
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, February 15

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 is Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, The Graphic Novel by Chris Grabenstein. Registration is required.

 

Drop-in Paint a Mini Canvas Craft
Saturday, March 23
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages

Drop-In Program

Create your own miniature masterpiece with a little paint and a lot of imagination. Registration is not required.

 

Drop-in Sticker Swap
Monday, March 25
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Children of all ages

Drop-In Program

Children of all ages love stickers. Each child will receive a small notebook to decorate with stickers. We have lots of stickers to choose from and you can even bring stickers from home to trade with others, if you like. Registration is not required.

 

Solar Eclipse Program presented by Longway Planetarium
Wednesday, March 27
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Session 2 – 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Grades K – 4

Registration begins Monday, February 26

Daytime turns dark as night and the stars come out. It even feels a little cooler! What happened to the sun?  Get ready for the April 8th solar eclipse while making a simple eclipse viewer, using a pair of sun viewing glasses (weather permitting), making a piece of eclipse, art and other fun activities. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, March 28
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.

 

APRIL

Lego Club
Tuesday, April 2
4:30 – 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.

 

Drop-in Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, April 8
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
All Ages

Drop-In Program

A near total solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024! In Dexter, the eclipse will begin at 1:57pm with the maximum occurring at 3:13pm. These rare events only occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align just right. Weather permitting, gather on the terrace of the Library, adjacent to Mill Creek Park North, to view the progression of the eclipse. Please remember it is never safe to directly view the Sun without special equipment. A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available. A live stream of the eclipse will also be available in our lower level meeting room. Registration is not required.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, April 9
4:30 – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, March 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 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 April theme is Spring. Registration is required.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, April 10
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, March 6

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, April 11
 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, March 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 April theme is Space. Registration is required.

 

Drop-in Petting Farm
Saturday, April 13
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Children of all ages

Drop-In Program

Farm animals visit the Library at this petting zoo program for children of all ages. Chamberlin is bringing a wonderful assortment of small and medium-sized farm animals to the Library for children to pet and interact with. Stop by any time during the program. Registration is not required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, April 18
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, March 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 April book is Klawde by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth. Registration is required.

 

Drop-in Spring Crafts
Saturday, April 20
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages

Drop-In Program

Celebrate the season by making a variety of spring crafts to decorate your home. Registration is not required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, April 25
4:30 pm – 5:30 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.

 

MAY

Chess Club
Wednesday, May 1
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, April 10

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.

 

Drop-in Mother’s Day Craft
Saturday, May 4
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages

Drop-In Program

Stop by the library and make a card and a special suncatcher craft for your mom. Registration is not required.

 

Lego Club
Tuesday, May 7
4:30 – 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.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, May 9
 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, April 11

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 May theme is Spring. Registration is required.

 

KinderConcert!
Saturday, May 11
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.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, May 14
4:30 – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, April 9

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 May theme is Music. Registration is required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, May 16
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, April 18

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 May book is Who Was Series, book of your choice. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, May 23
4:30 pm – 5:30 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.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Friday, May 31
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.

 

JUNE

Chess Club
Wednesday, June 5
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, May 1

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, June 6
 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, May 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 June theme is Adventure. Registration is required.

 

 

Spring Teen and Tween Events

Mollie Hall

Pick up a copy of the Spring 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.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Monday, April 8

Time 2:00pm – 4:00pm

All Ages

Drop-In Program; Registration is not required

A near-total solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024! In Dexter, the eclipse will begin at 1:57pm with the maximum occurring at 3:13pm. These rare events only occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align just right. Weather permitting, gather on the terrace of the Library, adjacent to Mill Creek Park North, to view the progression of the eclipse. Please remember it is never safe to directly view the Sun without special equipment. A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available. A live stream of the eclipse will also be available in our lower level meeting room. Registration is not required.

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, April 10

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, March 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. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club.

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, April 16

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, March 19

Read this month’s book and then join us for snacks, icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. April’s book is House Arrest by K. A. Holt.

 

DIY Book Hedgehogs

Friday, April 19

2:30 – 3:45 pm (school half-day)

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, March 15

Turn an old book into a work of art that you can proudly display in your room. Come and learn how to fold the pages of a paperback book to make an adorable hedgehog with googly eyes and any accessories you can dream up. This is a beginner paper-folding project and no prior experience is necessary.

 

TAG: Teen Advisory Group

Saturday, April 20

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, March 9

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to enjoy a pizza lunch then brainstorm with other teens about new programs, book selections, and how to make the Library an even better place. TAG members will also do small service projects during meetings. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

 

makerspaceMakerspace

Thursday, April 25

4:30 – 5:30 pm

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

Friday, April 26

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, March 22

Join us monthly for pizza and MTG tournament-style play on 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. Co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 

Make Your Own Candy Sushi

Saturday, April 27

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required, begins Monday, April 1

You might have had sushi with fish and rice, but how about a dessert version? Explore your culinary creativity and build your own sweet sushi with crispy rice treats and candy.

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, May 1

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, April 10

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. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club.

 

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, May 17

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, April 26

Join us monthly for pizza and MTG tournament-style play on 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. Co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 

TAG: Teen Advisory Group

Saturday, May 18

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, April 20

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to enjoy a pizza lunch then brainstorm with other teens about new programs, book selections, and how to make the Library an even better place. TAG members will also do small service projects during meetings. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

 

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, May 21

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, April 16

Read this month’s book and then join us for snacks, icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register. May’s book is Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert.

 

makerspaceMakerspace

Thursday, May 23

4:30 – 5:30 pm

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.

 

Chess Club

Wednesday, June 5

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, May 1

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. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club.

Past Events:

Pencil Eraser Pointillism

Saturday, March 2

2:00 – 3:15 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Friday, February 2

Get creative and try Pointillism, which is an art technique of making a large image out of tiny dots. We’ll look at some examples and then use paint, pencil erasers, and canvas to make our own unique artworks.

Chess Club

Wednesday, March 6

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Kids and Teens

Registration required – Begins Wednesday, February 7

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. Chess sets will be provided by the Library to use during Chess Club.

TAG: Teen Advisory Group

Saturday, March 9

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required – Begins Saturday, February 17

Teens in grades 7 through 12 meet monthly to enjoy a pizza lunch then brainstorm with other teens about new programs, book selections, and how to make the Library an even better place. TAG members will also do small service projects during meetings. This is a fun way to earn volunteer hours!

Custom Keychain Craft

Friday, March 15

1:30 – 2:30 pm (no school)

Registration required; begins Friday, February 16

Make a keychain that’s as unique as you! Design a simple word or image to cut out in vinyl, then apply it to an acrylic shape of your choice. Customize your keychain further with beads, charms, and more. Great to decorate your backpack or bag, or to make as a gift.

Tween Book Club

Tuesday, March 19

4:30 – 5:30 pm

Grades 5 – 7

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, February 20

Read this month’s book and then join us for snacks, icebreakers, discussion, and a related activity. For our March book club, read a mystery book of your choice to discuss at Book Club. Provide your own book – feel free to bring one from home or check out from the library.

Magic: The Gathering

Friday, March 22

6:00 – 8:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, February 23

Join us monthly for pizza and MTG tournament-style play on 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. Co-sponsored with 5 Healthy Towns and SRSLY Dexter.

 

Sticker Swap

Monday, March 25

2:00pm – 3:00pm

All Ages

Drop-In Program; No registration required

Children of all ages love stickers. Each child will receive a notebook to decorate with stickers. We have lots of stickers to choose from and you can even bring stickers from home to trade with others, if you would like. Registration is not required.

 

Puzzle Race

Tuesday, March 26

1:30 – 2:45 pm (no school – Spring Break)

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Tuesday, February 27

Race against the clock and other builders as you work to complete a 300-piece puzzle. Prizes will be awarded to the winners, including new books and gift cards to local businesses.

makerspaceMakerspace

Thursday, March 28

2:30 – 3:30 pm (no school – Spring Break)

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.

 

Retro Remix Crafts

Friday, March 29

2:00 – 3:00 pm (no school – Spring Break)

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – begins Friday, March 1

Join us for a blast from the past with retro-inspired crafts. Put your own spin on Perler beads, Shrinky Dinks, friendship bracelets, and more.

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