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.- 30 Minute Lunchtime Club, meets on the third Monday every other month at 1:00 pm, starting in September
- Nonfiction Book Club, meets the third Thursday every other month at 6:30 pm, starting in September
- Classics Book Club, meets the third Tuesday every other month at 7:00 pm, starting in October
- BYOB-Bring Your Own Book-Book Club, meets the fourth Monday at 7:00 pm every other month, starting in October.
- 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.
- Adult Services Videos–ON DEMAND
- Learn How To Access our Genealogy Resources, Follow along as Karrie demonstrates how to access Ancestry, Fold 3, and MyHeritage databases, free with your Bloomfield Township library card.
- Reading Recommendations for January 2021, Find out what the Adult Services librarians are recommending this month.
- Sensory Story Time: Cookies! Join Jen and Ed in this storytime for all ages and abilities (and also request your sensory story time supply kit to interact with the video).
- Teen Services Videos–ON DEMAND
- Dino-gami Craft Kits. Enjoy a short video highlighting our dinosaur origami craft kits, available at the Adult Services desk all month long.
- Teen Book Talk–The Twin by Natasha Preston
- Teen Book Talk–The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
- Teen Book Talk–The Great Godden by Meg Rosoff
- Find more Adult and Teen videos on our Adult Services Vimeo Channel.
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
- Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
- 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.)
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- New winter session dates!
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- Thursday, 2/18 – Registration opens 1/21.
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- 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.)
- Bookworms: a virtual book discussion group for ages 5 – 6 years with a favorite grown-up.
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
- Winter Scavenger Hunt: Join Ms. Jen as she looks for some items on our Winter Scavenger Hunt on the trails at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center.
- Snowy Story Time with Ms. Liz: Join Ms. Liz for wintery stories, songs, rhymes, and smiles!
- Sensory Story Time: “Bath Time!” Join Ms. Jen for a bath time -themed story time with sensory experiences! Geared to preschool & up, this story time is for children of all abilities to enjoy.
- Mini Foodies: “NYE Snacks:” Make some cool snacks for New Year’s Eve with Ms. Liz.
- Sensory Story Time: “Cookies!” Join Jen and Ed in this story time for all ages and abilities (and also request your sensory story time supply kit to interact with the video!)
- Youth Database Spotlight: Explora!: Join Ms. Andy for a look at this fantastic digital resource for middle school research.
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
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
- Detroit Institute of Arts Virtual Field Trip
- Detroit Symphony Orchestra replay concert archive
- Detroit Zoo Virtual Vitamin Z: Educational video lessons, live animal cams, and coloring pages
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Recordings of symphonies, theater, and more
- Museum from Home: At home activities from New York City cultural organizations
- National Parks virtual tours and exhibits
- NPR’s List of Live Virtual Concerts
Business and Employment Resources
- Michigan Economic Development Center Small Business Resources
- Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
- Michigan Legal Help
- Pure Michigan Talent Connect
- Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Business Resources
Games and Activities
- AARP Brain Games
- Alzheimer’s Association Virtual & In-Home Activities
- Braingle: brain teasers, trivia, riddles, games, and more
- The New York Times Crossword (free daily mini crossword, puzzles, & more)
- Online Jigsaw Puzzles
- Sudoku
Mental Health and Wellness
- Free Live-Stream Workouts During Coronavirus Outbreak
- Headspace: Collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises
- Hoopla Fitness Videos
- How teenagers can protect their mental health
- NAMI blog – Coronavirus Coping Strategies
- Oakland Community Health Network
- Sesame Street Monster Meditation
Reading
- ASDC’s Directory of Children’s Stories in ASL
- Harry Potter at Home
- Read Together Be Together: virtual stories with authors, illustrators, & celebrities
- Tar Heel Reader: Easy-to-read, accessible book collection available in 9 languages