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Virtual Events for Adults and Teens | Virtual Events for Families and Youth | Library Online Resources | Web Resources

Virtual Events for Adults and Teen

2021 Winter Reading Challenge for All Ages!  January 1–March 20, 2021.
Where will reading take you?  All ages are encouraged to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge.  Warm-up with a good book, challenge yourself, and win prizes!  Registration is now open.  The Challenge begins on January 1.

  • Technology Open Labs
    Join our technology staff for Virtual Lab classes. Register to attend one of the Zoom sessions below by emailing AskTech@btpl.org.

    • Monday, January 25: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Social Media
    • Thursday, February 11: 5-6 p.m. Excel
    • Monday, February 15: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Google Apps
    • Tuesday, February 23: 5-6 p.m. Powerpoint
  • Virtual Book Clubs
    We have moved our librarian-led book clubs online.  Registration is open.

  • Adult Reading Club, Fridays, February 12, March 12 and April 9, 2 p.m.
    Join us for an informal online discussion of what we’re reading.  A librarian will get the group started with some reading recommendations and you will be encouraged to share what you are reading.  Register by emailing AskAdult@btpl.org.
  • Adult and Teen Craft Kits: Create Something Incredible! 
    Get creative with an assortment of kits. Most supplies will be included, but you may need to use a few common household tools along the way. For Bloomfield Township residents only. No registration required. Available while supplies last.  Contact Adult Services at 248-642-5800 ext. 171 to arrange for curbside pickup.

    • January 12: Altered Book Art
    • February 9:  Map Origami
    • March 2:  Make your own Travel Journal
    • March 23:  Unexpected Incredible Craft Challenge
  • Calling all Teen Detectives! Solve the Mystery @ MiLibraryQuest!  Challenge begins on January 1, 2021.
    Extra! Extra! Read all about it! An anonymous tip has come in that a thief will steal an iconic Michigan landmark on Valentine’s Day. Watch the short video. We’re recruiting teenage private detectives to stop the heist! Figure out who the thief is and what they’re stealing to prevent the crime and enter for a chance to claim a reward! The challenge begins on January 1, 2021. All entries must be submitted by February 14, 2021. Prize winners will be announced on February 20, 2021. All teens are welcome to participate in the MiLibraryQuest: Mystery Edition.
  • Virtual Teen Club
    All teens are welcome to attend our online Zoom meetings. We will discuss books, arts & crafts, play games & more. Email askteen@btpl.org for more information. We look forward to seeing you there! Registration is required.

    • Wednesday, January 27th, 4:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday, February 17th, 4:00 p.m.

 

Virtual Events for Families and Youth

  • 2021 Winter Reading Challenge for All Ages!  January 1–March 20, 2021.
    Where will reading take you?  All ages are encouraged to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge.  Warm-up with a good book, challenge yourself, and win prizes!  Registration is now open.
  • Winter Scavenger Hunt
    Looking for something to do outside and inside? Try our multisensory Winter Scavenger Hunt!
    (You can also join Ms. Jen looking for some of the items on the trails at E.L. Johnson Nature Center in this video.)

  • Kits!
    We have kits available to pickup via curbside, take home, and keep!
    Currently available (while supplies last)

    • Craft Kits (recommended for Preschool – Elementary): Mitten Craft
    • Tween Craft Kits (recommended for Upper Elementary & Middle Schoolers): Among Us Crew Mates
    • Science At Home Kits (recommended for Elementary & up): Catapults
    • Sensory Story Time Supply Kits (for all ages, with sensory items to use for interacting with recorded sensory story times): Bath Time!
  • Live Weekly Family Story Times:
    Join your BTPL Youth Services librarians for a live, interactive virtual story time for families of all ages every week! (Closed captioning provided.)
    Winter Session registration is now open!

    • Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
      2/2, 2/16, 3/2, 3/16
    • Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. (New Time!)
      1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10
  • Art Lab (Live!):
    Ms. Nicole and Ms. Andy will lead artists, ages 10 – 13, step-by-step through a creative project on Zoom! (Closed captioning provided.) Material packets will be provided for registered attendees. Register to receive your Zoom link/login. (Space for Art Lab is limited.)
    • New winter session dates!
  • Book Discussion Groups (Closed captioning provided):
    • Bookworms: a virtual book discussion group for ages 5 – 6 years with a favorite grown-up.
      Thank you for joining us on 1/18!
    • My First Book Group: a virtual book discussion group for ages 7 – 8 years.
      Tuesday, 2/9 at 5:00 p.m.
      Registration opens on 1/19. (Space is limited.)
    • Paperbacks and Snacks: a virtual book discussion group for ages 9 – 10 years.
      Wednesday, 3/17 at 5:00 p.m.
      Registration opens on 2/24. (Space is limited.)
    • Book Chat: a virtual book discussion group for ages 11 – 13 years.
      Thursday, 4/8 at 5:00 p.m.
      Registration opens on 3/18. (Space is limited.)

Youth Services Videos–ON DEMAND
Check out these videos (with closed captioning) from our Youth Services team after nap time, online school, or whenever it is convenient!

New Videos

Many more recorded activities, book talks, crafts, and story times can be found on our Youth Services Vimeo Channel

 

Library Online Resources

 

Resources for Children & Students

  • Anti-Racism Reading List: Books and media for all ages to support conversations about race and racism
  • BookFlix:  Interactive reading experience to explore fiction and non-fiction for grades PreK – 3
  • Brainfuse: Get help with your homework online from 2pm to 11pm daily (excluding some holidays).
  • PebbleGo: Informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy for grades K – 3
  • Read It!: Articles on a variety of subjects that include comprehension supports for middle school – adult ELL and other different learners
  • TumbleBook Library: Children’s eBook database of picture books and read-along chapter books

All BTPL Youth Databases

 

Resources for Adults & Teens

  • Ancestry.com from Home:  Research your genealogy from home for a limited time
  • Anti-Racism Reading List: Books and media for all ages to support conversations about race and racism
  • NEW:  Brainfuse:  Get help with your homework online from 2pm to 11pm daily (excluding some holidays)
  • Career Resources:  Resumes builders, career research, and vocational testing preparation
  • CreativeBug: 1000+ high-quality instructional videos on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, baking and more
  • Gale Courses:  Sign up for six-week-long classes in a variety of subject areas
  • Homework Help: Find resources to help with your assignments and research
  • Learning Express Test Prep:  Take practice test for the ACT, SAT and more
  • NEW:  Lynda.com:  Thousands of online courses in business, software, technology and creative skills.
  • Mango Languages:  Learn a new language
  • Newspapers:  Access our online collection of local and national newspapers
  • Testing and Education Reference Center:  Prepare for tests, research college programs, and find tuition assistance and career advice.
  • AudioBookCloud:  Online audiobook library collection with unlimited streaming access
  • RomanceBookCloud: A curated collection of romance ebooks
  • TeenBookCloud:  Graphic novels, enhanced novels, ebooks, classic literature, National Geographic videos, educator resources, and audiobooks

All BTPL Adult and Teen Databases

Web Resources

 

Culture

Business and Employment Resources

Games and Activities

Mental Health and Wellness

Reading