Dearborn public libraries offer summer programs for children

Dearborn public libraries are offering programs for children and teens this summer.

For more information about any of the following programs, visit www.dearbornlibrary.org, or call or visit one of Dearborn’s public libraries:

• Henry Ford Centennial Library (HFCL), 16301 Michigan Avenue, 943-2345.
• Bryant Branch Library, 221000 Michigan Avenue, 943-4091.
• Esper Branch Library, 12929 W. Warren Avenue, 943-4096.
• Snow Branch Library, 23950 Princeton Street, 274-1780.
  

Please note library policy. Program registration may be made by phone or in person. Those arriving more than 10 minutes after the scheduled program time may not be admitted. Child must be the required age on or before the first date of the program. Residents and cardholders are given preference.

Non-residents, without library cards, will be placed on a waiting list and contacted only if a vacancy occurs. Individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations, auxiliary aids, or services to attend or participate in these programs should contact their local library or (TDD 943.2193.) Reasonable advance notice is required.

• Insectigations Story Walk – June 25, and July 2, 9 at 3 p.m.; July 16, 23, and 30 at 6 p.m. Henry Ford Centennial Library. Listen to insect stories and investigate insects around the library grounds. We’ll have lots of fun making things like butterfly nets, bug homes, and bug viewers. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. Registration is now underway.
  
  
• Bug Safari – July 9 at 10:45 a.m. Snow Branch Library. Join us for a walk in our neighborhood as we search for the sights and sounds of bugs. Meet at the library with your walking shoes on. Strollers and wagons welcome. All ages.
  
  
• Mother Goose – Fridays, July 11-25 at 10:30 a.m. Henry Ford Centennial Library. This is a special program for caregivers and younger children. Experience the library with nursery rhymes, books, and play. One adult per child is recommended. Ages 6-24 months. Registration begins June 27.
  
  
• Buggypalooza Storytime – Tuesdays, July 1-29 at 11 a.m. Henry Ford Centennial Library. Join us for a fun time filled with bug stories, finger plays, crafts, and more. Weather permitting, we will meet outside by the fountain. We could get messy, so dress appropriately. (In case of rain, meet in the Children’s Department.) Ages 2-5.
  
  
• Preschool Storytime – Tuesdays through July 29 (no program July 15) at 1:30 p.m. Esper Branch Library. Buggy-themed stories and rhymes. Ages 3-5. Registration is now underway.
  
  
• Bed Bugs Storytime – June 30 at 7 p.m. Snow Branch Library. Wear your pajamas and listen to favorite buggy stories and nursery rhymes at this drop-in program. Ages 3-5.
  
  
• Project Praying Mantis - Henry Ford Centennial Library. See a praying mantis egg in the library. Maybe if you check back, you will see it hatch. Come back again and you might spy a baby praying mantis going through one of its metamorphoses. When it is an adult, you might catch a glimpse of it stalking its food. All ages.
  
  
• Live Butterfly Pavilion – Esper Branch Library. Watch and learn about caterpillars and butterflies anytime during the libraries’ summer reading program. Depending on how long they take to transform, after watching and taking care of them we will be setting our butterflies free during the last week of July. All ages.
  
  
• Bug Art Gallery – Create your own bug-themed art project at home, then bring it to your favorite Dearborn public library between June 23-July 11 during library hours. Projects will be displayed July 14-August 1. Your bug art can be made using almost anything: paper, fabric, crayons, paint, clay, LEGO, or you can even snap a photograph. If you wish, give your art a title and tell us something about it. Be sure to fill out a submission form at time of drop-off. All ages. Limit one art project per child.
  
  
• Chalk Art – June 20 from 3-4 p.m. Henry Ford Centennial Library. Mark the first day of summer with your artistic abilities by decorating the sidewalk in front of the library. Meet at the fountain, weather permitting. All ages.
  
  
• Face Painting – June 25 at 11 a.m. Bryant Branch Library. Jeannie Cain will be here to paint your favorite bug on a hand or cheek. All ages.
  
  
• Movie Day – June 27 from 2-3 p.m. Esper Branch Library. A Cricket in Times Square will be presented, with popcorn and juice. All ages. Registration begins June 13.
  
  
• Movie Mondays – June 30 at 2 p.m. Bryant Branch Library. Watch Walt Disney’s Donald Duck and his adventures with Spike the Bee. These are older cartoons, but ones that should not be missed. All ages.
  
  
• Fourth of July Craft – July 3 at 2 p.m. Esper Branch Library. Make fireworks in a jar. All ages. Registration begins June 19.
  
  
• Flay Swatter Painting – July 10 at 2 p.m. Esper Branch Library. A fun outdoor activity. All ages. Registration begins June 26.
  
  
• Music with Joy – July 16 at 2 p.m. Snow Branch Library. Calling all kids with ants in your pants. Buzz over to the library and “bee” part of our musical fun with songs, creative movement, bubbles and more. All ages welcome but most appropriate for ages 5 and under.
  
  
• Reptile, INC – July 22 at 6 p.m. Esper Branch Library. A free one-hour family program. Come see a variety of reptiles. Participants arriving late may not be admitted. All ages. Registration begins July 8.
  
  
• Bugs for Lunch – July 21 at 12:45 p.m. Snow Branch Library. Bring a sack lunch and join us for insect stories, jokes, and more. Then we’ll make a buggy snack to eat. Ages 8-12. Registration begins July 7.
  
  
• Summer Reading Program 2008 – June 23 – August 1. Read books, win prizes, listen to stories, do crafts, attend fun programs. Pick up your starter kit anytime during the summer reading program.
  
  
• Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Event: The Gordon Russ Bug-O-Rama Magic Show – June 24. 12:30 p.m. at Bryant Branch Library. 2:30 p.m. at Henry Ford Centennial Library. 4:30 p.m. at Esper Branch Library. 7 p.m. at Snow Branch Library.
  
  
• Crafts for All Ages – Starting June 24. Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. at Snow. Wednesdays 2-4 p.m. at Esper. Thursdays 2-4 p.m. at Bryant. Fridays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Henry Ford Centennial.
  
  • Week 1: Butterfly Wind-Catcher
  • Week 2: Ant Picnic*
    *Library closed Fri., July 4. Craft will be Thursday, July 3.
  • Week 3: Ladybug Magnet
  • Week 4: Bouncing Spider Game
  • Week 5: Buzzing Bee
  • Week 6: Butterfly Surprise
    
    
• Tween Crafts (for ages 8-12) – Starts June 27. Fridays at 3 p.m. at Henry Ford Centennial Library. Registration required; starts June 13. Call 943-2345 to register.
  
  • Week 1: Tote Bag
  • Week 2: Butterfly KITE*
    * Library closed Fri., July 4. Craft will be Thursday, July 3.
  • Week 3: Pony Bead Dragonfly
  • Week 4: Rock Bugs
  • Week 5: Artist Trading Cards
  • Week 6: Insectigation Game