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.
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!
- Thursday, June 19, 1:00 – 2:30 pm – Registration begins Saturday, May 10
- Saturday, July 12, 1:00 – 2:30 pm – Registration begins Thursday, June 19
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 22, 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Book: Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas. Registration begins Tuesday, June 24
Makerspace
Grades K-8
Drop-in Program; No registration required
Make, build, craft and explore. Participate in a variety of open-ended activities. We supply the materials and you supply the imagination.
- Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
- Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
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.
- Friday, June 27, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, May 17.
- Friday, August 22, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, June 27.
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.
- Tuesday, July 1, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday, July 29, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
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 ClubMonday, 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.
Ice Cream Social and Drop-in Crafts
Wednesday, July 2
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
All Ages; Ice Cream for DDL Cardholders
Drop-in program; no registration required
Show your Dexter District Library card and receive FREE ice cream – located in front of the Library. During our Ice Cream Social, there will be a variety of drop-in crafts on the lower level for all ages.
Minecraft PartyTuesday, 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!
Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day
Friday, July 11
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
All Ages
Drop-in program; no registration required
The Dexter District Library will host a large variety of trucks and emergency vehicles for children and adults of all ages to experience, rain or shine. The parking lot will be closed during this event to allow freedom to browse, tour and talk to the owners and operators of the wonderful machines that make our lives easier and safer. Bring your camera – there will be plenty of photo opportunities with the vehicles and special Cool Cat costumed character. This family fun event is free and open to everyone.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
