The Dexter District Library is excited to bring back some of our popular Summer Reading events after more than two years of pandemic-related limitations.
This year’s Summer Reading Program begins on Wednesday, June 22 at 11:00 am when the Library welcomes musician Jim Gill for a free outdoor performance of A Sing-a-thon of Celebrated Songs in Mill Creek Park North. Jim Gill is a renowned musician and author, nationally known for celebrating active play. In concert, Jim strums energizing rhythms on his banjo while everyone sings, claps, spins and dances along to his silly and inspiring musical games. Each concert is more than a show to watch – it is an opportunity for family play. Everyone is welcome and no registration is required.
This year’s theme, “Oceans of Possibilities” focuses both on exploring the realm of the sea as well as encouraging participants to discover new ideas, interests and pursuits. Kids ages 12 and under may register for the Reading Club if they are able to read independently, or the Read-To-Me Club, if they are not yet reading on their own. Tweens and Teens may participate in the Teen Reading program and adults may join their own reading group. Youth participants will receive weekly prizes or incentives to keep reading throughout the summer. Avoid the crowds by taking advantage of early registration which begins Monday, June 20 at 9:00 am or register anytime throughout the summer. Registration for the Program may be done in person at the Library, online through the Beanstack website (dexter.beanstack.org) or the Beanstack app, available in app stores for mobile devices.
This year the Library will be offering a variety of programs; some will be in-person, inside events; some will be in-person, outside events and there will even be some virtual events. Registration is required for most events. Please refer to our website (dexter.lib.mi.us) for more information and follow us on Facebook to receive the latest information.
Drop-In Summer Story Times will be held on Mondays and repeated on Thursdays at 10:30 am from June 27 through August 4. No registration is necessary for Summer Story Times. This program is geared for ages 5 and under but everyone is welcome to attend. We will primarily be holding Story Time outside on the Library terrace adjoining Mill Creek Park North, so make sure to bring along chairs or blankets. In case of inclement weather, Story Time will meet in our large meeting room downstairs. Story Times include books, music, movement, flannel board stories and more to encourage the love of reading in young children.
On Friday, July 1 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the Library will host our yearly Ice Cream Social located between the Library and the Farmers Market. Show your Dexter District Library card and receive free ice cream provided by the Dexter Creamery.
Big Truck and Emergency Vehicle Day returns on Friday, July 15 from 10:00 am to Noon. We will have a large variety of trucks and emergency vehicles available 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 a popular pup mascot.
A free, outdoor Under the Sea Concert, presented by Dynamic School Assemblies, will be held on Friday, July 22 at 11:00 am. It is being sponsored by Wolverine Glass of Dexter. This fun, interactive concert features songs about sailing, ships, oceans, fish, sharks, and more. Everyone is welcome – no registration is required.
The Youth Department at Dexter District Library has planned a wide variety of fun, educational and creative events to help kids of all ages fill their summer days including seashell painting, story & craft programs, Lego and Maker Challenges, book clubs for all ages, live pond animal workshops, DIY crafts, interactive movies, bleach stencil T-shirts, break-in bags, a Family Comedy Show, a visit from Paleo Joe, Page Turner Virtual Adventures, and much more. Visit our website for details at www.dexer.lib.mi.us as registration will be required to attend most of these events.
The Summer Reading Program Wrap-Up takes place on Friday, August 5 at 11:00 am when Lori Fithian of Drummunity brings a wide selection of drums and percussion instruments for the whole family to play. Everyone gets to drum, sing and dance in this fun and energizing program where the whole community can make music together.
Children who meet their reading goals for the Summer Reading Program may pick up a goody bag with coupons, snacks and other surprises between August 1 and August 26. Kids, tweens, and teens who have completed the Beanstack challenges, or turned in completed records by August 21 will be entered into a final drawing with a chance to win some amazing prizes. The Final Prize Drawing will be held on Monday, August 22.
For more information stop by the Library and pick up all the Summer Reading Program fliers and calendars or visit our website at www.dexter.lib.mi.us
