Children ages 8-12 are invited to join STEAM for Tweens, a new science program designed to engage young minds to think like a scientist. STEAM  for Tweens will meet at 4 pm in the Pokagon Room on the second level of the library.

Paper Marbling:  Do you like both, arts and science? Then this is the perfect activity for you! You will create beautiful marbled paper cards and practice science at the same time! The only materials you need are shaving cream, food coloring, and sheets of paper. It might get a bit messy, but that is part of the fun!

 Join us for  this STEAM for Tweens activity to create simple spring-time cards,

Space is limited, so please register by April 14 by calling (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com or fill out the form below

Fill out the form below to register for this event.

Join us for Craft Night at the Library! This April, we’re exploring the charming art of creating flowers from book pages—because who wouldn’t love a craft that’s truly a page-turner?

This event is just for our adult patrons, and you’ll need to RSVP to join the fun. Call (269) 782-3826, email erin@dowagiacdl.org, or fill out the form below.

The Dowagiac District Library offers this weekly story time each Tuesday at 10:30 am. Preschool Story Time is geared toward children 3-5 years old and will focus on developing early literacy skills and fine motor skills through listening to one or two stories and participating in fun-filled age appropriate crafts and/or learning activities.

April Book: The Ersatz Elevator by Lemony Snicket

In their most daring misadventure, the Baudelaire orphans are adopted by very, very rich people, whose penthouse apartment is located mysteriously close to the place where all their misfortune began. Even though their new home in the city is fancy, and the children are clever and charming, I'm sorry to say that still, the unlucky orphans will encounter more disaster and woe.

In fact, in this sixth book in A Series of Unfortunate Events, the children will experience a darkened staircase, a red herring, an auction, parsley soda, some friends in a dire situation, a secret passageway, and pinstripe suits.

The Inkwell Explorers Book Club is for tweens 9-12 years old. The club features a middle-grade novel each month. Tweens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

Join us for the annual Southwest Michigan Writer’s Conference at Lincoln Township Public Library for a full day of writing instruction and networking.

The Southwest Michigan Writers’ Conference is a collaborative effort of Lincoln Township Public Library, Niles District Library, Dowagiac District Library, Eau Claire District, St Joseph Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, and Three Oaks Township Public Library. The conference beginning in 2018 has provided writing and marketing instruction to aspiring writers from all over Southwest Michigan, Northern Indiana, and even the Chicago area.

Register here by filling out the form, starting March 1. Registration is required to attend.

Visit the Writer’s Conference page to see a detailed schedule.

The Dowagiac District Library offers this weekly story time each Tuesday at 10:30 am. Preschool Story Time is geared toward children 3-5 years old and will focus on developing early literacy skills and fine motor skills through listening to one or two stories and participating in fun-filled age appropriate crafts and/or learning activities.

Revisit those classics from school or discover something new to expand your horizons! We meet the last Tuesday of the month in the Community Room, bringing our life experiences to the discussion.

To sign up, email Matt Weston at mweston [at] dowagiacdl [dot] org

April Book: Carry My Secret to Your Grave by Stephanie Kuehn

Bea Fletcher never met a cold case she didn't want to solve. So when she finds herself staying with family near Lake Paloma, she's torn. She's not thrilled to be bunking with her moody, taciturn uncle and his wife while her father's out of town, being away from Cabot Cove means less time for Bea to work on her true crime blog, visit her great-aunt Jessica, and spend time with new friends Leisl, Leif, and Carlos and the mysterious underground treasure hunting game they've been playing.

But Lake Paloma has mysteries of its own, including the unsolved drowning of Eden Vicente the year before. When Bea starts to ask questions about Eden's death, the answers lead her closer to home than she ever imagined. If she isn't careful, she could be the next girl to end up at the bottom of the lake.

The TBR (Teen Book Review) Book Club is for teens 13-18 years old. The club features a YA (young adult) novel each month. Teens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

April Book: The Case of the Phantom Cat by Holly Webb

Twelve-year-old Maisie lives in her grandmother’s big boarding house, but now she and her dog Eddie are invited to join Maisie’s friend Alice and her high-society family on a trip to the country. It’s lovely to get away from the London smog, but there is something strange about the manor where the girls are staying. Odd noises, horrid smells, and sightings of a spectral cat keep them up at night…

Has Alice's father rented a haunted house? There must be a logical explanation, and Maisie plans to use her detecting skills to find out what it is!

The Adventures in Bookland Book Club is for kids 6-8 years old. The club features an easy chapter book each month. Parents/kids register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

The Make & Share Cookbook Club is held on the first Thursday of the month from 5:15-6:30 pm at the Dowagiac District Library. Make a recipe from the monthly cookbook selection, then join us at the library for a recipe share & book discussion.

In May, it is Pick Your Own Cookbook.

To reserve your spot, call the library or email (Att: Erin) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com

The Dowagiac District Library offers this weekly story time each Tuesday at 10:30 am. Preschool Story Time is geared toward children 3-5 years old and will focus on developing early literacy skills and fine motor skills through listening to one or two stories and participating in fun-filled age appropriate crafts and/or learning activities.

Children ages 8-12 are invited to join STEAM for Tweens, a new science program designed to engage young minds to think like a scientist. STEAM  for Tweens will meet at 4 pm in the Pokagon Room on the second level of the library.

Chocolate Rocks:   The three main types of rocks on the Earth’s surface are igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.  The rocks we found on earth undergo what is called the rock cycle.   In this activity, you will demonstrate the processes of erosion, cementation, and melting using chocolate shavings as the rock types.

 Join us for  this STEAM for Tweens activity to model the rock cycle using chocolate rocks.

Space is limited, so please register by May 5 by calling (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com or fill out the form below

Fill out the form below to register for this event.

Little Beakers is a science program designed for kids ages 4-7 and will meet once a month to encourage scientific inquiry with the younger children.

Join us in The Pokagon Room at 11:00 on the second Saturday of the month. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Little Beakers information.

Space is limited, so please register by May 7 by calling (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com or fill out the form below.

Please complete to register for this event.

The Dowagiac District Library offers this weekly story time each Tuesday at 10:30 am. Preschool Story Time is geared toward children 3-5 years old and will focus on developing early literacy skills and fine motor skills through listening to one or two stories and participating in fun-filled age appropriate crafts and/or learning activities.

Join us for the Sip & Share Book Club at Sister Lakes Brewing Company. In May, we will be discussing the book Never Lie by Freida McFadden

This event will be held at:
Sister Lakes Brewing Company
92500 CO RD 690
Dowagiac, MI 49047*

• Discussion starts at 6:30pm

• Drinks and food are available for purchase, visit Sister Lakes Brewing Company for an up-to-date menu.

To register, please fill out the form below.

To access the May book using Dowagiac District Library resources:

• Download the Libby or CloudLibrary using your Dowagiac District Library card for digital content

• Visit MeL.org to request an Interlibrary Loan (usually takes a week between submitting the request and receiving a call from us that it’s available to pick up)

• Or place a hold on the library copy

• Don't have a card? Visit our Get A Card page to see if you qualify for a digital card today

• We also have copies of the book for checkout at the front desk of the library. Please make sure to bring your card to checkout.

For further information, please call Erin at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org

*This event is in conjunction with Sister Lakes Brewing Company, but we do ask that you ONLY contact the library for any questions you may have about it. See contact information above.

The Dowagiac District Library offers this weekly story time each Tuesday at 10:30 am. Preschool Story Time is geared toward children 3-5 years old and will focus on developing early literacy skills and fine motor skills through listening to one or two stories and participating in fun-filled age appropriate crafts and/or learning activities.

We are excited to welcome Michigan Notable Book 2025 Author Daniel J. Clark. He will discuss his book Listening to Workers: Oral Histories of Metro Detroit Autoworkers in the 1950s.

Using interviews and archival research, Listening to Workers uncovers the personal and often overlooked lives of Detroit-area autoworkers in the 1950s. The book explores the complexities of their experiences, addressing issues like poverty, divorce, workplace dangers, and personal struggles, challenging the notion of the 1950s as a time of widespread prosperity. Offering a humanizing perspective, it presents workers as multidimensional individuals, with rich, personal stories that go beyond traditional labor history.

The Michigan Notable Books program is sponsored in part by the Library of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Center for the Book, and Michigan Humanities.

Join us for Craft Night at the Library! This May, we will have the community room set up for a fun and relaxing evening of coloring. Coloring pages, colored pencils, crayons, and markers will be available to sit and enjoy either by yourself with friends.

Call (269) 782-3826, email erin@dowagiacdl.org for more information.

May Book: Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple by Liz Garton Scanlon

Most things are easy-peasy, regular-pegular for Bibsy Cross. She loves her parents, her cat, her best friend, Natia. And she loves going to school. She might just love that most of all!

This year, Bibsy has Mrs. Stumper for a teacher, but Mrs. Stumper doesn't seem too keen on Bibsy. She thinks Bibsy talks too much.

But one day, when Bibsy talks a little too much, and goes a stone too far, Mrs. Stumper punishes her by punching a hole in her paper apple that hangs in the classroom. And Bibsy is devastated.

The Adventures in Bookland Book Club is for kids 6-8 years old. The club features an easy chapter book each month. Parents/kids register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

May Book: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a kid-hating terror of a headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!

The Inkwell Explorers Book Club is for tweens 9-12 years old. The club features a middle-grade novel each month. Tweens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

May Book: The Dead Will Never Haunt Me by Stephanie Kuehn

When Beatrice Fletcher joins her father on a work trip to the University of New Mexico, she knows she's sacrificing time with her friends back in Cabot Cove trying to solve the last clue of an enigmatic game they've been playing. Yet it's worth it if it means she can interview celebrated film studies professor William Vance, whose newest documentary touches on a murderous cult, a misdirected bombing, and a tragedy from Bea's mother's childhood.

But when a string of poisonings targets girls in Vance's film program, Bea has more to worry about than ancient family history. Someone knew she was coming to campus and why. And now that she's insinuated herself into the students' circle, could she be next on the hit list?

The YA for Adults Book Club is for adults 18+ years old. The club features a YA (young adult) novel each month. Participants register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

The Make & Share Cookbook Club is held on the first Thursday of the month from 5:15-6:30 pm at the Dowagiac District Library. Make a recipe from the monthly cookbook selection, then join us at the library for a recipe share & book discussion.

In June, we are cooking from Big Night: Dinners, Parties, and Dinner Parties-A Cookbook by Katherine Lewin

To reserve your spot, call the library or email (Att: Erin) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com

June Book: The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb by R.L. Stine

Gabe just got lost—in a pyramid. One minute, his crazy cousin Sari was right ahead of him in the pyramid tunnel. The next minute, she'd disappeared. But Gabe isn't alone. Someone else is in the pyramid, too. Someone. Or some thing. Gabe doesn't believe in the curse of the mummy's tomb. But that doesn't mean the curse isn't real. Does it?

The Inkwell Explorers Book Club is for tweens 9-12 years old. The club features a middle-grade novel each month. Tweens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

June Book: Fall of a Kingdom by Hilari Bell

Stories are told of a hero who will come to Farsala's aid when the need is greatest. But for thousands of years the prosperous land of Farsala has felt no such need, as it has enjoyed the peace that comes from being both feared and respected.

Now a new enemy approaches Farsala's borders, one that neither fears nor respects its name and legend. But the rulers of Farsala still believe that they can beat any opponent.

Three young people are less sure of Farsala's invincibility. Jiaan, Soraya, and Kavi see Time's Wheel turning, with Farsala headed toward the Flames of Destruction. What they cannot see is how inextricably their lives are linked to Farsala's fate — until it's too late.

The YA for Adults Book Club is for adults 18+ years old. The club features a YA (young adult) novel each month. Participants register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

June Book: Eva’s Treetop Festival by Rebecca Elliott

Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled?

The Adventures in Bookland Book Club is for kids 6-8 years old. The club features an easy chapter book each month. Parents/kids register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

Story Time will be canceled this week due to a scheduling conflict. Enjoy your day, and we hope to see you back next week!

July Book: The Case of the Feathered Mask by Holly Webb

Maisie, the young detective, must solve a crime for her friend Professor Tobin. The professor travelled all over the world collecting strange and wonderful objects, and the British Museum is opening a special room to house his collection. But before the professor’s donation, a thief steals a valuable Amazonian tribal mask! With just a single feather left behind, Maisie doesn’t have much to go on, but the stakes in her newest case are higher than ever.

The Adventures in Bookland Book Club is for kids 6-8 years old. The club features an easy chapter book each month. Parents/kids register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

July Book: The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Narnia ... where Talking Beasts walk ... where a witch waits ... where a new world is about to be born.

On a daring quest to save a life, two friends are hurled into another world, where an evil sorceress seeks to enslave them. But then the lion Aslan's song weaves itself into the fabric of a new land, a land that will be known as Narnia. And in Narnia, all things are possible ...

The Inkwell Explorers Book Club is for tweens 9-12 years old. The club features a middle-grade novel each month. Tweens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

July Book: Rise of a Hero by Hilari Bell

Legend has it that when Farsala most needs a warrior to lead it, Sorahb will be restored by the god Azura. That time has come. After a devastating loss to the army of the Hrum, Farsala has all but fallen. Only the walled city of Mazad and a few of the more uninhabitable regions remain free of Hrum rule, and they seem destined to fall as well. Farsala needs a champion now.

Three young people are waging battle as best they can. Soraya, Jiaan, and Kavi, their lives decimated by the Hrum, are each in a personal fight against their common enemy. Apart, their chances are slim, as none of them is Sorahb reborn. United, perhaps they can succeed. But only Time's Wheel can bring them together—if it turns the right way. If it doesn't, Farsala is surely doomed.

The YA for Adults Book Club is for adults 18+ years old. The club features a YA (young adult) novel each month. Participants register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

August Book: Blast Off! by Nate Ball

When a four-inch-tall alien crash-lands through Zack McGee's bedroom window, Zack is sure he's about to become the first victim in a new War of the Worlds. But when the alien turns out to have weapons that are more ticklish than terrifying, Zack realizes that rather than protect the world from the alien, it's up to him to protect the alien in his pocket from the world.

The Adventures in Bookland Book Club is for kids 6-8 years old. The club features an easy chapter book each month. Parents/kids register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

August Book: Redwall by Brian Jacques

What can the peace-loving mice do to defend themselves against Cluny and his army of rats? If only they had the sword of Martin the Warrior, they might have a chance. But the legendary weapon has long been forgotten -- except, that is, by the bumbling young apprentice Matthias, who becomes the unlikeliest of heroes.

The Inkwell Explorers Book Club is for tweens 9-12 years old. The club features a middle-grade novel each month. Tweens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

August Book: Forging the Sword by Hilari Bell

There is not much time left on the Hrum's self-imposed limit. If in that time they don't take all of Farsala, then the Farsalans will regain their independence.

Soraya, Kavi, and Jiaan work to keep control of what little land remains free from Hrum rule. They have many people helping them, but there is still one important piece missing: a sword that is able to withstand the Hrum's watersteel.

But one thing none of these young heroes can foresee is the growing desperation of the Hrum leaders. It will lead some to break their own laws and sacred pacts and will reveal truths to Kavi, Soraya, and Jiaan about the nature of war, the nature of human beings, and — most importantly — the nature of themselves.

The YA for Adults Book Club is for adults 18+ years old. The club features a YA (young adult) novel each month. Participants register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

September Book: Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West

8-year old Drake is snatched up by King Roland's soldier and taken to the castle. He is to be trained as a Dragon Master. At the castle, he is joined by three other young Dragon Masters-in-training: Ana, Rori, and Bo. The Dragon Masters must learn how to connect with and train their dragons—and they must also uncover their dragons' special powers. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master? What is his dragon's special power?

The Adventures in Bookland Book Club is for kids 6-8 years old. The club features an easy chapter book each month. Parents/kids register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

September Book: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner

When the Fallen Star struck, it brought death and despair, ash and toxic rain. But some dinosaurs survived . . . and were changed. Their minds grew alert. They learned to speak. To dream. To wage war.

As the two remaining dinosaur kingdoms fight for territory, Eleri, the disgraced son of a prince, is exiled from his home for saving an enemy soldier. Banished to the merciless Deadlands, a terrifying desert full of tar pits, poisonous gas, and ruthless carnivores, he must join forces with a group of questionable allies—including the enemy soldier he saved—to avoid becoming prey.

When Eleri and his fellow exiles discover the horrific truth behind the war, the unlikely heroes must do all they can to save their kingdoms from a lurking predator. . . and a secret plot that might destroy them all.

The Inkwell Explorers Book Club is for tweens 9-12 years old. The club features a middle-grade novel each month. Tweens register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

September Book: So Mote It Be by Isobel Bird

With this ribbon I do bind

My heart to yours and yours to mine.

Love, I call you, come to me,

As is my will, so mote it be.

Kate cast the love spell with results unforeseen.She cannot stop it by herself, but the book of spells tells her of two strangers who can help her -- if only she can find them.

The YA for Adults Book Club is for adults 18+ years old. The club features a YA (young adult) novel each month. Participants register and pick up their copy of the month’s selection at the beginning of the month and then meet and discuss the book on the last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.