What’s New

Spring Events for Teens & Tweens

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!
In-person Teen & Tween Programs:
With consideration for the ongoing pandemic, and for the safety of everyone involved, please take special note of the following:

  • Registration is required for all in-person and virtual Teen and Tween programs. See individual event pages for more information and to register to attend.
  • Space is limited – each individual should register so we have an accurate count of how many people are in the room.
  • The Library has updated its programming attendance requirements.  Face coverings optional but encouraged in group settings.  Face covering requirements are subject to change without notice.

Relaxing Crafts for Teens & Tweens

In Person

Saturday, June 11

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required, begins May 9

Take a break and unwind before finals and end-of-the-school-year activities. Join us to make stress balls and calming glitter jars – items that are fun to make but can also help you feel less stressed when you use them.

 

Past events:

MiLibraryQuest logo with an image of a detective holding an open book, and the text MiLibraryQuest Mystery EditionMiLibraryQuest
February 1 – March 15

Grades 5 – 12

Michigan teens we need your help! The world famous thief Lupin has struck again! This time he pilfered the laptop of a best selling Michigan author containing the only copy of their latest novel. Please help us find where Lupin has stashed the laptop by decoding his taunting notes to Inspector Skirmish before the draft is due on March 15th.

To get started, head to our Teen Services page or go to the MiLibraryQuest web site.

 

Crafting Your College Essay

In Person

Wednesday, March 2

7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Teens and adults welcome

Registration Required, starts February 2

Elizabeth Levy, founder of Essay Help for Colleges, will present tips on applying to college using the Common Application along with information on what makes a great personal essay. The program is geared toward high school sophomores and juniors getting ready to apply to college, but it is open to all teens and parents. Time will be available at the end of the presentation for participants’ questions.

Teen Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, March 8

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grades 7 – 12

Book: The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

Registration required, begins February 8

Join us for discussion, a craft, and some trivia on this month’s selection. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

Take & Make: Zine Kits

Pickup March 4-10 or while supplies last

Grades 5-12

No registration – kits available while supplies last

Make your own zine – a DIY, small-batch magazine on any topic you care about. Get you supply kit from the library, then make some zines and share with your friends.

 

Magic: the Gathering

In Person

Friday, March 18

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required, begins February 19

Join us monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 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. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Teen Advisory Group

In Person

Saturday, March 19

11 a.m. to noon

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required, begins February 19

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library. TAG meets on select Saturdays each month during the school year.

Tween Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, March 22

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grades 5 & 6

Book: Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui Sutherland

Registration required, begins February 22

Read the book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related craft or activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register.

Nailed It! Virtual Cake Decorating

Virtual

Wednesday, March 30

2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Grades 5 through 12

Registration required, begins February 21

Registered participants can pick up a decorating kit March 23-29 or while supplies last.

Get creative –and a little messy – in your kitchen! During this virtual program, teens and tweens will have 45 minutes to try to recreate a decorated cake. At the end, we’ll take a look at everyone’s creations. This is meant to be fun, but our judges will also pick a winner to receive a $10 Joann gift card!

 

Creating Your College List

In Person

Wednesday, April 6

7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Teens and adults welcome

Registration required, begins March 2

Elizabeth Levy, founder of Essay Help for Colleges, returns with tips on selecting colleges and applying using the Common Application. The program is geared toward high school sophomores and juniors, but it is open to all teens and parents. Time will be available at the end of the presentation for questions.

 

Teen Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, April 12

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grades 7 through 12

Book: Verify by Joelle Charbonneau

Registration required, begins March 8

Join us for discussion, a craft, and some trivia on this month’s selection. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register. Can’t make it to the Library before Book Club? The e-book and audiobook are available for immediate download on hoopla!

 

Take & Make: Gardening Kits

Pick up April 8-14 or while supplies last All kits have been picked up as of 4/13.

Grades 5-12

No registration – kits available while supplies last

Are you looking for a new outdoor hobby? Do you want to help pollinators like bees and butterflies? Why not try gardening! Teens and tweens can pick up a kit with seed packets, dirt pods, pots, and plant markers to start their own garden.

Magic: the Gathering

In Person

Friday, April 22

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required, begins March 19

Join us monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 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. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Teen Advisory Group

In Person

Saturday, April 23

11 a.m. to noon

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required, begins March 19

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library. This month, help make decorations for the Summer Reading Program!

 

 

Action Figure Terrariums

In Person

Saturday, April 23

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Grades 5-12

Registration required, begins March 21

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, this program is for you. We’ll make terrariums with faux succulents and mosses, so your decoration will last forever and doesn’t need watering! Bring a small action figure or miniature to decorate your terrarium, or the Library will have some on hand as well.

 

Tween Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, April 26

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grades 5 & 6

Book: The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz

Registration required, begins March 22

Read the book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related craft or activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register.

 

“May the Fourth” Trivia Contest

Entries accepted May 1 – 7

Grades 5 through 12

May the Fourth be with you! In honor of Star Wars Day on May 4, teens and tweens can stop into the library during the first week of May and enter a Star Wars-themed trivia contest. Starting on Sunday, May 1, pick up a trivia quiz in the Teen Zone. Complete it and return to the Youth Reference Desk by Saturday, May 7 for a chance to win a galactic prize!

 

 

 

Teen Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, May 10

6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Grades 7-12

Book: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Registration required, starts April 12

Join us for discussion, a craft, and some trivia on this month’s selection. Get a free copy of the book at the Youth Reference Desk after you register.

Take & Make: Self-Care Kits

Pick up May 6 – 12, or while supplies last

Grades 5-12

No registration – kits available while supplies last

Everyone needs to take time for self-care. Doing things for your mind, body, and soul can promote well-being and help you feel happier and less stressed. Teens and tweens in grades 5-12 can pick up a kit with a journal, treats, and some ideas for activities to help you relax and de-stress.

 

Magic: the Gathering

In Person

Friday, May 20

6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grades 6 – 12

Registration required, begins April 23

Join us monthly for MTG tournament-style play on Friday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30 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. Co-sponsored with SRSLY Dexter.

 

Teen Advisory Group

In Person

Saturday, May 21

11 a.m. to noon

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required, begins April 23

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer opportunity for teens in grades 7 through 12 to get involved at the Library. TAG meets on select Saturdays each month during the school year.

 

Tween Book Club

In Person

Tuesday, May 24

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Grades 5 & 6

Book: Clean Getaway by Nic Stone

Registration required, begins April 26

Read the book and then join us for icebreakers, discussion, and a related craft or activity. Get a copy of the book at the youth reference desk after you register.

 

 

 

Testing contact form with uploads


    Non-fiction book

    Read a non-fiction book to learn something new! No matter what subject you like, there’s probably a non-fiction book about it. Here are a few suggestions:

    Children’s Books –

    • Catching Cryptids: The Scientific Search for Mysterious Creatures by Kim Long – J 001.944 LON
    • The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Science Facts You Won’t Be Taught in School by Neon Squid – J 032 BIG
    • Remember This: The Fascinating World of Memory by Monique Polak – J 153.12 POL
    • Compassionate Kids by Stacy Bauer – J 177.7 BAU
    • Amazing Immortals: A Guide to Gods and Goddesses Around the World by Dinah Williams – J 291.211 WIL
    • Thor the Making of a God by Emma Adams – J 293.12 ADA
    • I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of Our Diverse World by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew – J 305.8 BOL
    • Get Dressed! A Historical Guessing Game for Fashion Lovers by Kathy Canales – J 391.009 CAN
    • Sign Language & Hobbies by Bela Davis – J 419.7 DAV
    • Intro to Japanese by Bela Davis – J 495.68 DAV
    • A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet by Martha Brockenbrough – J 551.37 BRO
    • Mother Aspen: A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate by Annette LeBox – J 577.3 LEB
    • Waging Ancient Warfare by Marty Gitlin – J 623.409 GIT
    • How to Explain Robotics to a Grown-Up by Ruth Spiro – J 629.892 SPI
    • What Is Color?: The Global, Brain-Exploding Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg – J 709 WEI
    • Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez by Belen Medina – J 796.426 MED
    • Write Here Write Now by Rebecca Gardyn Levington – J 808.02 LEV
    • The Bard and the Book: how the first folio saved the plays of William Shakespeare from oblivion by Ann Bausum – J 822.33 BAU
    • Gold Rush: the untold story of the First Nations women who started the Klondike gold rush by Flora Delargy  – J 971.9 DEL
    • It Happened in Salem by Jonah Winter – J 974.4 WIN

    Teen Books –

    • An Illustrated History of UFOS by Adam Allsuch Boardman – YA 001.942 BOA
    • Future Tense: How We Made Artificial Intelligence – And How it Will Change Everything by Martha Brockenbrough – YA 006.3 BRO
    • Social Skills for Teens with Anxiety: Make Friends and Do Stuff Without Feeling Weird by Emily Davenport – YA 155.418 DAV
    • What Now: a Teen Guide to Life After High School by Barbara Sheen – YA 158.1 SHE
    • Treasury of Egyptian Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Monsters & Mortals by Donna Jo Napoli – YA 292.13 NAP
    • Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods by Rick Riordan – YA 292.13 RIO
    • Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today by Cynthia Levinson – YA 342.73 LEV
    • The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day – YA 364.162 DAY/J 364.162 DAY
    • Must Know: High School Basic Spanish by Jean Yates – YA 468.242 YAT
    • The Hanmoji Handbook: Your Guide to the Chinese Language Through Emoji by Jason Li – YA 495.18 LI
    • Discovering Life’s Story, volume 1: Biology’s Beginnings by Joy Hakim – YA 570.9 HAK
    • Fascinating Fungi: Nourishers, Killers, Connectors, and Healers by Karen Latchana Kenney – YA 579.5 KEN
    • The Survival Handbook (New Edition) by Colin Towell – YA 613.69 TOW
    • The Lego Builder’s Handbook: Become a Master Builder by Deepak Shenoy – YA 688.725 SHE
    • Cosplay the Marvel Way: Guide to Costuming Culture and Crafting Basics by Judy Stephens – YA 792.026 STE
    • Greater Goal: the Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women’s Soccer and Beyond by Elizabeth Rusch – YA 796.334 RUS
    • Write a Poem, Save Your Life by Meredith Heller – YA 808.1 HEL
    • Poems for Tortured Souls  edited by Liz Ison – YA 811 POE
    • Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America (A Love Story) by Deborah Heiligman – YA 920 GOL
    • America Redux: Visual Stories from our Dynamic History by Ariel Aberg Riger – YA 973 ABE
    • 83 Days in Mariupol: a war diary by Don Brown – YA GRAPHIC 83
    • Victory. Stand! Raising my fist for justice by Tommie Smith – YA GRAPHIC VIC
    around the world

    Books Set in Another Country

    Explore the world without leaving home by reading a book set in another country. Here are some suggestions:

    Children’s Books –

    • Bea’s Balikbayan Box of treasures by Christine Alemshah- EASY ALE
    • A Pigeon in Paris: Petite takes flight by Paige Howard – EASY HOW
    • Mariana and Her Familia by Monica Mancillas – EASY MCM
    • Sakina and the Uninvited Guests by Zahra Marwan- EASY MAR
    • Faruq and the Wiri Wiri : A Celebration of Family and Food by Sophia Payne – EASY PAY
    • Peng’s Vase: a Chinese Folktale by Angus Yuen-Killick – EASY YUE
    • Dora and Diego: Giant Tortoise Adventure adapted by Tina Gallo – READER1 E D
    • How the Elephant Got It’s Trunk retold by Robert James – Reader1 E T
    • Dodsworth series by Tim Egan – READER2 E E
    • Rabia’s Eid by Rukhsana Khan – READER2 E K
    • I Wish I Was an Elephant by Jennifer Bove – READER 3 E R
    • Too Small Tola by Atinuke – READER4 E A
    • Bodyguard: Ambush by Chris Bradford – SERIES BODYGUARD
    • Enola Holmes: The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by Nancy Springer – SERIES ENOLA
    • Greetings from Somewhere: The Mystery Across the Secret Bridge by Harper Paris – SERIES GREETINGS
    • A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus – J ALB
    • The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander – J ALE
    • Thirst by Varsha Bajaj – J BAJ
    • Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar – J BEH
    • Grenade by Alan Gratz – J GRA
    • Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani – J HIR
    • Seabird by Michelle Kadarusman – J KAD
    • The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling – J KIP
    • The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry – J LOW
    • The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh – J MAR
    • Uprising by Jennifer Nielsen – J NIE/J BOCD NIE
    • The Cricket War by Tho Pham – J PHA
    • Children’s Favorite Arabic Stories by Jehanne Moharram – J 398.2 MOH
    • Food Around the World by Gill Budgell – J 641.3 BUD
    • Henri Matisse: He Saw the World in Bold Color by Heather Alexander – J 759.4 ALE

    Teen Books –

    • Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake – YA BROWSING B
    • The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar – YA JAI
    • Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram – YA KHO
    • The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee – YA LEE
    • Everything Sad is Untrue (A True Story) by Daniel Nayeri – YA NAY
    • The Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor – YA TAY
    • Love Requires Chocolate by Ravynn K. Stringfield – YA BROWSING S
    • Stateless by Elizabeth Wein – YA WEI
    • Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada – YA GRAPHIC BAN
    • Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley – YA GRAPHIC LOS
    • Song of a Blackbird by Maria Van Lieshout – YA GRAPHIC SON
    • When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed – YA GRAPHIC WHE/J GN WHE
    • The Worst Ronin by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Faith Schaffer – YA GRAPHIC WOR
    • Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto – YA MANGA KAI
    • You and I are Polar Opposites by Kocha Agasawa  – YA MANGA YOU
    animal books

    Animal Books

    The Library has tons of books about animals. Readers of all ages can find a book about an animal or furry friend. Check out these suggestions below:

    Children’s Books –

    • A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle – EASY DOY
    • Solar Bear by Beth Ferry – EASY FER
    • Otter Oughta Know by Karyn Fiendman-Everham – EASY FRI
    • If You Find a Fawn: A What-to-do for Wild Wanderers by Kellie DuBay Gillis – EASY GIL
    • Duck, Duck, Goose! by John Hare – EASY HAR
    • Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians by Kristi Mahoney – EASY MAH
    • Giraffe and Jackal are Friends (Again!) by Lisa Robinson – EASY ROB
    • Little Bear series by Britta Teckentrup – EASY TEC
    • The Man who Didn’t Like Animals by Deborah Underwood – EASY UND
    • Flubby series by J. E. Morris – READER1 E M
    • Norman’s Deep Dive by Ruthie Van Oosbree – Reader1 E V
    • Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate – READER2 E A
    • Diary of a Pug series by Kyla May – READER4 E M
    • Together Forever! True Stories of Amazing Animal Friendships by Mary Quattlebaum – SERIES NATIONAL
    • The Scaredy Cat by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen – SERIES PURRMAIDS
    • The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Mountain by Kathi Appelt – J APP
    • Zeus the Mighty: The Quest for the Golden Fleas by Crispin Boyer – J BOY
    • Stone Fox  by John Reynolds Gardiner – J GAR/JBOCD GAR
    • Belly Up (Funjungle book 1) by Stuart Gibbs – J GIB/JBOCD GIB
    • Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry – J HEN/JBOCD HEN
    • Rescue at Lake Wild by Terry Lynn Johnson – J JOH
    • Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd – J LLO
    • Braver: a Wombat’s Story by Suzanne Selfors and Walker Ranson – J SEL
    • I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak – J SOR
    • The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – NEWBERY 2013/JBOCD APP
    • Animal Careers by J.G. Minyard – J 331.7 AGI
    • Cute Animals that Could Kill You Dead by Brooke Hartman – J 591.65 HAR
    • Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca by Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez – J 639.977 GUT
    • Don’t forget to check non-fiction for animal books as well! Check J 590-599 for zoology and wild animals, and J 636 for farm animals and pets.

    Teen Books –

    • Watership Down by Richard Adams – YA ADA/YA BOCD ADA
    • The Lovely and the Lost by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – YA BROWSING B
    • Our Divine Mischief by Hannah C Howard – YA HOW
    • Shadow of the Fox by Julie Kagawa – YA KAG
    • The Call of the Wild and White Fang by Jack London – YA LON
    • Among the Beasts and Briars by Ashley Poston – YA POS
    • Rebel Boys and Rescue Dogs or Things that Kiss with Teeth by Brianna R Shrum – YA BROWSING S
    • When My Heart Joins the Thousand by A.J. Steiger – YA STE
    • Animal Watching: the Definitive Interactive Nature Guide by Mary Kay Carson – YA 590.723 CAR
    • Learning to Be Wild: How animals achieve peace, create beauty, and raise families by Carl Safina – YA 591.782 SAF
    • Where Have All the Birds Gone? Nature in Crisis by Rebecca E. Hirsch – YA 639.978 HIR
    • Cute Animals: Draw Over 50 Adorable Animals in 10 Easy Steps by Justine Leouffe – YA 741.2 LEC