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Dearborn Heights Libraries

Youth and Family
Programs

Image of  butterfly on jar top with text.

Want to try your hand at making your very own mini terrarium? Come into the library and we will provide all the supplies and help! All ages are welcome, but children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. Registration is required at the Circulation Desk, by phone at 313-791-6050 or by email at jfkreference@gmail.com.

Terrarium Building Class
Saturday, April 20, 2024
1:00-2:00 pm
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library

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Come visit the library in March to celebrate National Reading Month! We will have local guest readers. There will also be fun activities to enjoy throughout the month. Call us at 313-781-6050 to find out what other events we have planned.

John F. Kennedy Library, Jr.
March 1 - March 31, 2024

Story times with local officials are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, March 7 @ 4:00 pm with Councilman Saab
Friday, March 8 @ 10:30 am with Representative Byrnes
Thursday, March 14 @ 4:00 pm with Library Director Michael McCaffery
Friday, March 22 @ 3:30 pm with Mayor Bazzi
Monday, March 25 @ 4:00 pm with Mr. Jim

Image of children demo senses with text.

These activities are designed for our friends aged 0-3. Little ones will explore their world by using their senses. Our youngest friends will get to enjoy new experiences and meeting new friends. Their caregivers will be able to enjoy the mess being somewhere else! No registration required, join us for one or all events.

April 12, Taste Safe! Enjoy the last session of our taste safe sensory play series. Textures include rice, oats, Jello and more.

May 10, Icky, Gooey, Sticky! Explore gooey, sticky, stretchy textures like slime, Silly Putty, and shaving cream. Play clothes strongly recommended as this activity may be messy.

June 7, Bubbles! Explore the beauty of bubbles as we have a bubble popping fun time on our patio! This program may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather.

July 12, Paint! We will have poster paint to use with paintbrushes, as well as our fingers! Play clothes strongly recommended as this activity may be messy.

August 2, Chalk! Grab a stick of jumbo chalk and decorate our patio with beautiful colors and designs.

Toddler Sensory Play Series
Fridays, 10:30-11:15
Caroline Kennedy Library

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April is Poetry Month! The John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library is hosting a Poetry Contest. All types of poems are welcome. Entries can be no more than one page with no obscene or derogatory language. Submissions will be accepted by email at jfkreference@gmail.com or by dropping them off at the library by Saturday, April 27, 2024. We reserve the right to deny any entries that don't comply with the rules. The rules are posted at each branch. Original works only! The top three entries will receive a prize. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. All ages are welcome.

Poetry Month Contest
March 25 - April 27, 2024
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library

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Come join the Caroline Kennedy Library Chess Club!  It meets every Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 pm. No experience necessary.  All ages are welcome, but children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Caroline Kennedy Library Chess Club
Wednesdays
5:00-7:00 pm
Caroline Kennedy Library

Image of Eclipse with text

Jacob Callebs, an undergraduate researcher in Astronomy at Wayne State University, joins us once again to discuss why eclipses happen. His presentation will explain why eclipses occur, how you can safely view them and what types of science can be done during an eclipse. Jacob has worked with scientists at Wayne State and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory to unlock the secrets of galaxy structure and evolution. Jacob is passionate about making astronomy accessible to everyone, and gives free tours of the night sky at the Wayne State Planetarium and at outdoor stargazing events. All ages are welcome, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Why Do Eclipses Happen? 
Thursday, April 4, 2024
6:30-7:30 pm
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library

Image of total eclipse with text.

An eclipse of the sun occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth blocking some or all of the Sun. When the two are exactly lined up, the Moon can hide the Sun from our sight creating a “total” eclipse. On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will travel from Texas to Maine, covering a large part of the U.S. in total darkness. This historic eclipse will be your last chance to see one for 20 years. Hundreds of millions of people are expected to take part in this record-breaking moment. Join us at the library for a solar eclipse viewing party (weather permitting). Eclipse glasses will be provided for safe viewing. We will have crafts and indoor viewing via the NASA website for those not comfortable with being outside or should we experience bad weather. All ages are welcome, but children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Special thanks to the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and NASA@MyLibrary program for providing the eclipse glasses.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, April 8, 2024
1:00 - 5:00 pm
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library

Join us for stories in the Youth Area of the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library. Our stories are geared for children aged 2-4, but all ages are welcome.

Castle Story Time
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month
10:30-11:00 am
January 9 - June 11, 2024
John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library

Image of preschoolers and teacher with text.

Simple stories, music and art for little ones and their caregivers. This program is designed for children aged 2 or 3, but all ages are welcome.

Toddler Story Time
Every Thursday at 10:30 am
January 18 - March 28, 2024
Caroline Kennedy Library

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5 to 10 Crafting: Crafts for Elementary School Children

Dearborn Heights Library


John F. Kennedy, Jr. Library,
Caroline Kennedy Library,

Come to the Dearborn Heights Library every month and pick up a new craft kit at either library branch. You can also check out our Dearborn Heights Library’s YouTube Channel for some new as well as old craft videos. For ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome.

Happy crafting!

January: Mosaic Craft

December: Christmas Handprint Ornament Crafts

November: Wombat Craft

October: Monster Corner Bookmark