Virtual Events | Resources for Children & Students | Resources for Teens & Adults | Web Resources

Attend a Virtual Event

ALL AGES Summer Discovery Reading Program, June 15 – July 31, 2020.

For Adults and Teens:

Virtual Teen Club, Wednesday, July 29, 4 p.m.
Teens aged 13-18 are invited to join us for our Virtual Teen Club on Zoom. At our June 9 meeting, we’ll be playing several rounds of trivia. Categories include Harry Potter, sports, movies, and gross foods. Registration is required. Email askteen@btpl.org for more information.
- July 29: Summer Reading Wrap Up with a Book Discussion – What the Other Three Don’t Know and Games!
- August 12: Activity To Be Announced!
Tech Open Lab- All Questions Welcome!
Do you have tech questions? Join our technology staff on Zoom and ask away! Each program will focus on a different theme, but all general tech inquiries are welcome. Topics can include Microsoft Products, Web Applications, Social Media, Email, and how to use your personal digital devices. Register today by sending an email to asktech@btpl.org.
- Wednesday, July 29: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Learn to Code with Grand Circus Detroit, Wednesday, August 19, 6-8 p.m.
Join our partners Grand Circus Detroit for this free remote learning opportunity. In this hands-on class over Zoom, instructors will guide students through working on a code editing website. Basic computer and internet skills are a must. Registration is required.

Teen Craft Kits, Wednesday, July 29 – Rope Bracelet available for pickup
Get creative this summer with the BTPL Teen Craft Kits! Used in conjunction with the Creativebug database, teens will receive supplies and top-level video instruction on how to make different craft projects. Teen Craft Kits are available for teens age 13-18 while supplies last. Email askteen@btpl.org or call Adult Services to request your kit(s).
- Thursday, August 6 – Brusher Marker Daily Drawing Challenge

Adult Services Videos–ON DEMAND

Audiobook Talk with Brooke, May 19: Audiobook recommendations and new releases available on OverDrive/Libby and hoopla digital.
Audiobook Talk with Brooke, May 27: New releases from Michael Connelly, Stuart Woods and Nora Roberts plus a review of the new Hunger Games prequel all available on OverDrive/Libby and hoopla digital.

Teen Services Videos–ON DEMAND

Teen Book Talk–The Twin by Natasha Preston: Jamie discusses this book and tells you how you could win a copy by participating in our Summer Discovery program.
Teen Book Talk with Jamie: Join teen librarian, Jamie, as she recommends some great books available on OverDrive/Libby, hoopla digital, and the TeenBookCloud and gives you the inside scoop on our upcoming summer discovery program.
Seriously Good Teen Audiobooks with Brooke: Find out about some really great teen audiobooks from Brooke. All titles are available on OverDrive/Libby and hoopla digital.
Teen Book Talk–Upside of Falling by Alex Light: Join Jamie for a quick teen book talk.

For Families and Children:

Live Weekly Family Story Times at 11 a.m.: More coming in September!
Join your BTPL Youth Services librarians for a live, interactive virtual story time for families of all ages every week! Register to receive your Zoom link/login.

Book Discussion Groups: Live!
- Stay tuned for more dates coming this fall!

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

What’s New in the Youth Room?: Watch this quick video to see how you can find our latest books, DVDs, CDs, and other media on the shelves in the Youth Room or online!
Make Donuts in Disguise with Ms. Liz: Join Ms. Liz as she shows you how to make some yummy treats in this mini Little Foodies!
Ms. Nicole’s Butterfly Release: Watch as one of Ms. Nicole’s Swallowtail butterflies is ready to explore the outside world!
Make a Robot Arm with Charlie
BookTalk: Graphic Novels for Middle Grades with Ms. Ashlee
Make a “Tornado in a Bottle” with Charlie
BookTalk: Realistic Fiction with Ms. Andy: Join Ms. Andy to hear about some favorite realistic fiction reads of the year. All titles available on OverDrive/Libby or Hoopla Digital
BookTalk: Fantasy Reads with Ms. Andy: Join Ms. Andy as she shares some favorite Fantasy reads for middle grades. All titles available on OverDrive/Libby or Hoopla Digital
BookTalk with Ms. Liz: Join Ms. Liz as she shares her favorite reads of the year for grades 4 – 6! All titles available on OverDrive/Libby or Hoopla Digital
Ms. Nicole’s Butterflies and Caterpillars
Make an Aquarium in a Jar with Charlie
ePicture Book Recommendations with Ms. Liz
Slime How-To with Charlie
Hello and OverDrive Tip from Ms. Killian
Sing-along with Ms. Liz
Comforting Message for Kids from Ms. Andy
Sing-along with Ms. Nicole

Resources for Children and Students

Anti-Racism Reading List: Books and media for all ages to support conversations about race and racism
TumbleBook Library: Children’s eBook database of picture books and read-along chapter books
BookFlix: Interactive reading experience to explore fiction and non-fiction for grades PreK – 3
TumbleMath: eBooks about math for grades K – 6
Scholastic Teachables: Printable educational materials for grades PreK – 6, user ID: schteachables46, password: blue
PebbleGo: Informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy for grades K – 3
Brainfuse: Get help with your homework online from 2pm to 11pm daily (excluding some holidays).
Read It!: Articles on a variety of subjects that include comprehension supports for middle school – adult ELL and other different learners
All BTPL Youth Databases

Resources for Teens and Adults

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

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

Games and Activities

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