What’s New

spring spotlight header (1)

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.

Pi Day Pie Tasting

Saturday, March 14

3:00 – 3:45 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Friday, February 13

Celebrate Pi (the number) by eating some pie (dessert)! Sample multiple varieties of pies and help us determine which is the best.

suncatchers

Teen/Tween Suncatcher Painting

Saturday, March 28

2:30 – 3:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Friday, February 27

Celebrate sunny days and paint your own suncatcher. Hang it in your window to share light, color, and your creativity with the world.

sundaes and games

Sundaes and Games

Tuesday, March 31

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Tuesday, March 3

Make a sundae with a variety of toppings, then play games with friends. We’ll have ping pong, foosball, and a variety of board and card games available to play.

cross stitch

Intro to Cross Stitch

Thursday, April 2

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Thursday, March 5

Teens and tweens are invited to learn the basics of cross stitching. Pick up a new skill and go home with a small embroidered piece. All supplies will be provided.

mini bookshelf

DIY Mini Bookshelf Craft

Saturday, May 16

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Thursday, April 16

Make your dream bookshelf a miniature reality with this craft program. Use art supplies and decorations to make your own pint-sized collection of favorite books that fits in a small tin.

Teen Books and Bites

Grades 7 – 9

Registration required

Teens in grades 7 through 9 are invited to Books and Bites book club. Join us each month to eat snacks and talk about books with other teens. Read something new each month, or discuss books and series you’ve already read.

  • Wednesday, March 18,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Sports and Hobbies. Registration begins Wednesday, February 18.
  • Wednesday, April 22, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Dead Flip by Sara Farizan. Registration begins Wednesday, March 18.
  • Wednesday, May 20,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Realistic Fiction and Romance. Registration begins Wednesday, April 22.

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 10,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Read a Science Fiction book to discuss at book club. Check out a book from the Library or bring a book from home. Registration begins Tuesday, February 10.
  • Tuesday, April 14, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Restart by Gordon Korman. Registration begins Tuesday, March 10.
  • Tuesday, May 12,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. Registration begins Tuesday, April 14.

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.

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.

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!

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 6, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, February 20.
  • Friday, April 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, March 6.
  • Friday, May 15, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, April 17.

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.

Spring Youth Programs 3001

Spring Events for Children

Ruth Jansen

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

 

SPRING STORY TIMES

Drop-In Story Times at the Library
Mixed Ages 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 30 – May 7
Lower Level Large Meeting Room

No registration required

Mixed Ages 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
April 1 – May 6
First Floor Youth Program Room

Registration required and begins on Wednesday, March 11

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 6-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
Monday, March 2
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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, March 4
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, February 4

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 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.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, March 10
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, February 10

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 child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The March theme is Bugs. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, March 12
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, February 12 

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 Inventions. Registration is required.

 

Drop-in Leprechaun Trap Craft
Saturday, March 14
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of All Ages
Drop-In Program

Drop-in and use your creativity to design a trap to catch a leprechaun before St. Patrick’s Day. Registration is not required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, March 19
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, February 19

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 The Mysterious Moonstone by Eric Luper. Registration is required.

 

Make Your Own Spring Break Craft Bag
Monday, March 23
4:30 – 5:30 pm
For kids 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.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, March 26
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.

 

The A2 Magic Show
Saturday, March 28
11:00 – 11:45 am
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Come enjoy a high energy, funny family show that mixes comedy, magic, funny situations, and a whole lot of audience participation. Registration is not required.

 

APRIL

InvestiGators Party
Wednesday, April 1
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Celebrate all things InvestiGators! Drop-in for crafts, games, and activities inspired by your favorite alligator private investigators, Mango and Brash. Registration is not required.

 

Drop-in Bugs & Butterfly Crafts
Friday, April 3
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Drop in and make a variety of bug and butterfly crafts to decorate your home for spring. Registration is not required.

 

Lego Club
Monday, April 6
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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, April 8
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, February 4

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 9
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, March 12 

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 Reptiles & Amphibians. Registration is required.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, April 14
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, March 10

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 child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The April theme is Spring. Registration is required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, April 16
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, March 19

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 Bob by Wendy Mass & Rebecca Stead. Registration is required.

 

Ballet Story Time and Preview Performance
Friday, April 17
10:00 – 10:45 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, Alice in Wonderland. We’ll begin with a short story time, followed by dancers performing parts of their show while in costume. Registration is not required.

 

Drop-in Spring Crafts
Saturday, April 18
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Celebrate spring by making a variety of seasonal crafts. Registration is not required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, April 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.

 

MAY

Lego Club
Monday, May 4
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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, May 6
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, February 4

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, May 7
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, April 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 May theme is Trickster Tales. Registration is required.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Monday, May 11
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, May 12
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners
Registration begins Tuesday, April 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 child. Each month Miss Ruth will read a book related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The May theme is Robots. Registration is required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, May 14
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4
Registration begins Thursday, April 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 May book is Choose Your Own Graphic Novel. Registration is required.

 

Drop-In Instrument Petting Zoo
Saturday, May 16
10:00 – 11:30 am
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Hands-on fun with instruments! Children can get up close and personal with instruments provided by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Bow a violin, pluck a cello, buzz a trumpet, and play other instruments seen and heard in the orchestra. Registration is not required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, May 21
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.

 

Music & Movement with Dancer’s Edge
Friday, May 22
10:00 – 10:30 am
Ages 2 – 5
Drop-In Program

Children ages 2 and up, along with their caregivers, are invited to participate in a special dance class with Jennifer Smith of Dancer’s Edge.  Filled with music, playful interaction and movement, this class is designed for the youngest dancers.  Get ready to wiggle, jump and move to music. Registration is not required.

JUNE

Lego Club
Monday, June 1
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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, June 3
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens
Registration begins Wednesday, February 4

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 4
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2
Registration begins Thursday, May 7 

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 Dinosaurs. Registration is required.