What’s New

Spring Youth Programs

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

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 24 – May 8
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 26 – May 7
First Floor Youth Program Room

Registration required and begins on Monday, March 3

 

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

St. Patrick’s Day Story Time
Saturday, March 1
11:00 – 11:30 am
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Join us for this special story time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Geared for children ages five and under but everyone is welcome. A simple craft will follow the story time. Registration is not required.

 

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

Registration begins Wednesday, February 5

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 7
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 11
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, February 11

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 books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The March theme is Dinosaurs. Registration is required.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, March 13
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, February 20

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 Leprechauns. Registration is required.

 

Make Your Own Spring Break Craft Bag
Wednesday, March 19
4:30 – 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 20
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, February 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 March book will be a graphic novel. Registration is required.

 

Creature Conservancy’s Live Animal Program for Grades K-4
Tuesday, March 25
Session 1 – 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Session 2 – 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
Grades K – 4
Registration required

School-aged children in grades K – 4 are invited to reserve a spot at one of the sessions to see live animals, such as a sloth or armadillo, up close. To minimize stress on the animals, the audience size will be limited and age restrictions will be observed. Any adults accompanying K-4th grade children must also register to reserve a spot. Registration is required and begins Tuesday, February 25.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, March 27
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.

 

Dog Man Party
Friday, March 28
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Drop in and celebrate all things Dog Man! This Supa Awesome Party will include crafts, games, and activities inspired by your favorite Dav Pilkey character. Registration is not required

 

Drop-In Duck Decorating Craft
Saturday, March 29
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grades K – 8

Drop-In Program

Join us at the Dexter District Library for a Drop-In Duck Decorating craft. Transform ordinary rubber ducks into imaginative creations. We’ll have a variety of art supplies so you can decorate your duck however you’d like! Registration is not required.

 

Movie & Popcorn for Kids
Moana 2 (PG – 2024)
Monday, March 31
1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Kids of all ages are invited to stop by the Library and watch Moana 2 (2024) on the big screen while enjoying a free bag of popcorn. Registration is not required. 

“Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Rated PG – 100 minutes

 

APRIL

Lego Club
Tuesday, April 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, April 2
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, March 5

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.

 

Super Stories Book Club
Tuesday, April 8
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, March 11

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 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.

 

Club Create Book Club
Thursday, April 10
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, March 13

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 Spring. Registration is required.

 

Cotton Candy Science Show
Saturday, April 12
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Children of all ages
Drop-In Program

Check out the sweetest science show around and discover the delicious science of cotton candy. Learn how it’s made, who invented it, see some fun experiments done with this wonderful, sugary treat, and have an opportunity to try some at the end of the show. Children of all ages will enjoy this fascinating program.  Registration is not required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, April 17
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, March 20

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 will be The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Registration is required.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, April 24
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.

 

Drop-in Spring Crafts
Saturday, April 26
Children of all ages
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Drop-In Program

Celebrate the season by decorating a flower photo frame and creating a Cheerio bird feeder. Registration is not required

 

MAY

Lego Club
Tuesday, May 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, May 7
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, April 2

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 8
 4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Grades 1 – 2

Registration begins Thursday, April 10

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 Flight. Registration is required.

 

KinderConcert!
Saturday, May 10
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 13
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
For Young Fives and Kindergartners

Registration begins Tuesday, April 8

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 books related to a theme and then the kids will do a theme related craft or activity. The May theme is Transportation. Registration is required.

 

All Star Readers Book Club
Thursday, May 15
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Grades 3 – 4

Registration begins Thursday, April 17

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 will be The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. Registration is required.

 

Preschool Makerspace
Saturday, May 17
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.

 

Makerspace
Thursday, May 22
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.

 

Chess Club
Wednesday, June 4
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Children and Teens

Registration begins Wednesday, May 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.

 

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

Registration begins Thursday, May 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 June theme is Color Our World. Registration is required.

Spring Teen and Tween Events

Mollie Hall

Pick up a copy of the seasonal 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.

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.

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 7, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, February 7.
  • Friday, April 4, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, March 7
  • Friday, May 16, 6:00 – 8:00 pm – Registration begins Friday, April 4

 

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 18,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Snapdragon by Kat Leyh. Registration begins Tuesday, February 25.
  • Tuesday, April 15,  4:30 – 5:30 pm – Book: Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson. Registration begins Tuesday, March 18.
  • Tuesday, May 20, 4:30 – 5:30 pm – Theme: Read a book (fiction, nonfiction, or graphic novel) that features your favorite sport or hobby to discuss at book club. Check out a book from the Library or bring a book from home. Registration begins Tuesday, April 15.

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.

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.

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!

Oreo Cookie Challenge

Saturday, March 8

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Grades 5-12

Registration required; begins Friday, February 7

Satisfy your taste buds and your competitive side in this fun program. Sample a variety of Oreo flavors and determine the best one, plus compete in Minute to Win It games using cookies.

Wicked Movie, Pizza, and Crafts

Monday, March 24

1:30 – 4:15 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required; begins Monday, February 24

Come to the library to watch Wicked (2024, PG) on the big screen and make crafts. Pizza lunch will be provided.

Teen Hunger Games Party

Wednesday, March 26

2:00 – 3:00 pm

Grades 7 – 12

Registration required; begins Wednesday, February 26

Join us for a special teens-only program to celebrate the release of the next book in the Hunger Games series – Sunrise on the Reaping. Do activities relating to the popular book series, plus attend to have a chance to win a copy of the book.

Pop-Art Pet and Animal Portraits

Saturday, May 17

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Grades 5 – 12

Registration required – Begins Thursday, April 17

Show off your furry friend and create a portrait anyone can paint! Trace an image of your pet or favorite animal, then use colorful watercolors to add pop and personality in this program inspired by artist Andrea Nelson.

 

New Skills for 2025

Scott Wright

Start a New Hobby

Hobbies & Crafts Source can help you start a new hobby for 2025 such as knitting. “Knitting School” in Creative Knitting includes diagrams and instructions to help with basic techniques, as well as information about yarn weight and reading patterns. Using this guide you might knit a temperature afghan—a special blanket that includes one row per day of the year featuring a color for each temperature range. Once you’ve become proficient, you might even knit a hat and mittens set to keep warm outdoors. Speaking of getting outside, make 2025 your “Big Year”—the year you begin birdwatching and keep track of every type of bird you see. Bird Watcher’s Digest suggests that you don’t have to travel far and can instead modify this challenge to your own parameters in “A Local BIG YEAR” or perhaps narrow your watching even further into a category of birds such as birds of a particular color or size according to “A List of Lists.”

Do It Yourself

Maybe you are more of a do-it-yourselfer. Small Engine Repair Source can help you tune up and repair more than 80 makes of snowmobiles. Those who like to tinker will find information about ATVs, generators, outdoor power equipment, and even tractors. There are diagrams of various parts of many models as well as user manuals.

Fix Up Your Home

Gaining new skills to fix up your home and yard is another great way to spend 2025. Home Improvement Source can help us understand the pros and cons of “Off-Grid Heating Solutions” and what to consider when we want to find out “How to Create Your Dream Kitchen Extension” in Homebuilding & Renovating. Winter might be the perfect time to start planning a garden to provide both a hobby and healthy food all summer long. In the February 2025 issue of Log & Timber Home Living you’ll find “Growing Up,” an article with ideas for gardening in smaller spaces.

No matter what you decide to do with it, 2025 is a brand-new year and you are in charge of how you enjoy it. We hope you will continue to make the MeL eResources part of your journey.