Upcoming Events

Featured Events

Small Fries Friday

Small Fries Friday

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Area at Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Educational, General, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us each week for a sampling of learning and literacy fun, specifically designed for children ages 3–6.  

Tinkering Takeover at Ellis

Tinkering Takeover with Imagination Station

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 11:00am - 1:00pm
Programming Room at Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Programming Room
Age Group: Children, Tweens, Teens, Family
Program Type: Educational, Technology
Registration Required
Event Details:

Interactive science + engineering + spark of creativity = Imagination Station Tinkering Takeovers!

Blind Boys - Blues 2026

Blues Series 2026 - The BIG GIG!

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Off Site
Library Branch: Off Site
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Music
Event Details:

Presenting the 39th Year of the Monroe County Library System’s Annual Black History Month Blues Series. 

Craft and build

After School Craft and Build

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Maybee Branch
Library Branch: Maybee Branch
Age Group: Preschool, Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, General
Event Details:

Come to the library every first Tuesday of the month, October through May, for a fun activity!  We'll have an artsy project as well as a building activity or challenge.

Flyer

Bad Art Night for Adults

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Community Room at Frenchtown – Dixie Branch
Library Branch: Frenchtown – Dixie Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Arts & Crafts
Registration Required
Event Details:

Do you like to paint or color? Do you find it relaxing to be creative, but you’re worried about it being perfect? We’ve got the program for you!

Sharrie Williams - Blues 2026

Blues Series 2026 - Sharrie Williams Concert

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Upstairs Library Space at Dorsch Memorial Branch
Library Branch: Dorsch Memorial Branch
Room: Upstairs Library Space
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Music
Event Details:

Tuesday is Blues Day! Presenting the 39th Year of the Monroe County Library System’s Annual Black History Month Blues Series.

poster

Wednesday Play Lab

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 10:00am - 10:45am
Community Room at Ida Branch
Library Branch: Ida Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Children, Family
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us each Wednesday morning as we explore a brand new way to play!

Week 1- Musical Mischief

Week 2- Cooking up Fun

Week 3- Busy Builders

Week 4- Clay Play Day

Week 5- Mad Science

Curious Kids' Learning Lab

Curious Kids' Learning Lab

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 10:30am - 11:30am
Children's Area at Ellis Library & Reference Center
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Your 4-7-year-old is invited to explore, create, and have a blast at our Curious Kids LAB! 

We’ll work on communication and reading skills, explore a STEAM topic, art experiences, and enjoy fun, hands-on extension activities. 

poster

Tether: Shadows in the Snow. A Roleplaying Game for Writers.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Community Room at Ida Branch
Library Branch: Ida Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Tweens, Teens
Program Type: Gaming
Registration Required
Event Details:

Tether is a role-playing game that is played through the process of writing journal entries. Each player will take on the role of a character living in the same rural town, but during different time periods.

Cozy Tales Storytime - Dundee

Cozy Tales

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 5:00pm - 5:45pm
Upstairs Library Space at Dundee Branch
Library Branch: Dundee Branch
Room: Upstairs Library Space
Age Group: All Ages, Babies & Toddlers, Preschool, Children, Family
Program Type: Storytime & Playgroups
Event Details:

Grab your blanket and join us for Cozy Tales in the Children's Area on our main level.

We will spend time reading a few stories and making a simple craft.

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Age Group
Program Type

Small Fries Friday

10:30am–11:30am
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Educational, General, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us each week for a sampling of learning and literacy fun, specifically designed for children ages 3–6.  

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Homeschool Book Club

11:00am–12:00pm
Preschool, Children
Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Age Group: Preschool, Children
Program Type: Book Club, Educational, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Homeschool Book Club is designed for preschool and elementary homeschool students.  We meet once a month from October through May.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

First Chapter Fridays & Creative Writing Workshop

1:00pm–2:30pm
Tweens, Teens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Tweens, Teens
Program Type: Book Club, Educational, General
Registration Required
Event Details:

First Chapter Fridays & Creative Writing Workshop for 5th-8th Graders

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

After School Adventures

3:30pm–4:15pm
Children, Tweens
Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Library Branch: Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, General
Event Details:

After School Adventures happens each Monday at the library!  Stop by after school for a variety of fun activities: building challenges, mindfulness practice, puzzles and art projects.  Each week will be something different! 

Curious Kids' Learning Lab

10:30am–11:30am
Preschool, Children
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Your 4-7-year-old is invited to explore, create, and have a blast at our Curious Kids LAB! 

We’ll work on communication and reading skills, explore a STEAM topic, art experiences, and enjoy fun, hands-on extension activities. 

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Learning Cursive

4:00pm–6:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults
Robert A. Vivian Branch
Library Branch: Robert A. Vivian Branch
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Do you remember CURSIVE?

Join us as we revisit this lost art of writing. 

It only takes paper and a pencil to try your hand at writing in cursive.

The Prison of Mackinac Island: The curious case of the Stanton Guard

6:00pm–7:00pm
Teens, Adults
South Rockwood Branch
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: South Rockwood Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational, History
Registration Required
Event Details:

Can you imagine being imprisoned on Mackinac Island? For some today it might sound like a dream come true, but in the 1860s it was all too real for a trio of Confederate sympathizers.

Small Fries Friday

10:30am–11:30am
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Educational, General, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us each week for a sampling of learning and literacy fun, specifically designed for children ages 3–6.  

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Read and Create Program - An Early Literacy/STEM program

11:30am–12:30pm
Children
Bedford Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bedford Branch
Room: Quilt Room - Room F
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

This program will take place on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of every month and is specifically geared towards 4 -6 year old kids who are just starting their reading adventure.

How To Build a Dead Hedge

2:00pm–4:00pm
Family, Adults
Bedford Branch
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bedford Branch
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Family, Adults
Program Type: Educational, Gardening
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us for a presentation and hands-on workshop all about building dead hedges! 

After School Adventures

3:30pm–4:15pm
Children, Tweens
Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Library Branch: Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, General
Event Details:

After School Adventures happens each Monday at the library!  Stop by after school for a variety of fun activities: building challenges, mindfulness practice, puzzles and art projects.  Each week will be something different! 

I Survived Youth Book Club

4:00pm–5:00pm
Children, Tweens
Dundee Branch
Library Branch: Dundee Branch
Room: Downstairs Programming Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Book Club, Educational, General
Event Details:

Meet new people and discover great new books. Check out a book club at a branch near you.

I Survived - Youth Book Club!

(Book Club for youth ages 8-12 years of age)

Join us for discussion of the book select for that months read! After a short discussion , we will have an activity relating to the book.

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Homeschoolers Happenings

1:00pm–2:00pm
Children, Tweens, Teens
Carleton Branch
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Carleton Branch
Age Group: Children, Tweens, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us the first and third Tuesday of every month from now until the end of May.  We meet at 1pm for fun, crafts, STEM, library adventurers and more.  So get your homeschoolers  together and join us for our next meeting.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Homeschool Art Club

2:15pm–3:15pm
Children, Tweens
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Chapter Book Area
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Homeschool Art Club is designed for kids ages 7 to 12 as a space to explore and create through a wide variety of art mediums. Come dressed to express yourself. 

Disclaimer(s)

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Curious Kids' Learning Lab

10:30am–11:30am
Preschool, Children
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool, Children
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Your 4-7-year-old is invited to explore, create, and have a blast at our Curious Kids LAB! 

We’ll work on communication and reading skills, explore a STEAM topic, art experiences, and enjoy fun, hands-on extension activities. 

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Women in the Holocaust with The Zekelman Holocaust Center

6:00pm–7:00pm
Teens, Adults
South Rockwood Branch
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: South Rockwood Branch
Room: Library
Age Group: Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational, History
Registration Required
Event Details:

The Holocaust was not a gender-neutral genocide. Women experienced the Holocaust differently and were targeted specifically was women.

Small Fries Friday

10:30am–11:30am
Preschool
Ellis Library & Reference Center
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Ellis Library & Reference Center
Room: Children's Area
Age Group: Preschool
Program Type: Educational, General, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us each week for a sampling of learning and literacy fun, specifically designed for children ages 3–6.  

Disclaimer(s)

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

After School Adventures

3:30pm–4:15pm
Children, Tweens
Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Library Branch: Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, General
Event Details:

After School Adventures happens each Monday at the library!  Stop by after school for a variety of fun activities: building challenges, mindfulness practice, puzzles and art projects.  Each week will be something different! 

MCLS Branches Closed for All Staff Day Training

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Bedford Branch, Blue Bush Branch, Carleton Branch, Dorsch Memorial Branch, Dundee Branch, Ellis Library & Reference Center, Erie Branch, Frenchtown – Dixie Branch, Ida Branch, L.S. Navarre Branch, Maybee Branch, Newport Branch, Rasey Luna Pier Branch, Robert A. Vivian Branch, South Rockwood Branch, Summerfield – Petersburg Branch, Library in Motion: Senior Outreach, Bookmobile, Off Site, Online
Description:

All branches of the Monroe County Library System will be closed for Staff Training.

MCLS Branches Closed for All Staff Day Training

All Day
All Branches
Closing
Branches:
Bedford Branch, Blue Bush Branch, Carleton Branch, Dorsch Memorial Branch, Dundee Branch, Ellis Library & Reference Center, Erie Branch, Frenchtown – Dixie Branch, Ida Branch, L.S. Navarre Branch, Maybee Branch, Newport Branch, Rasey Luna Pier Branch, Robert A. Vivian Branch, South Rockwood Branch, Summerfield – Petersburg Branch, Library in Motion: Senior Outreach, Bookmobile, Off Site, Online
Description:

All branches of the Monroe County Library System will be closed for Staff Training.

Read and Create Program - An Early Literacy/STEM program

11:30am–12:30pm
Children
Bedford Branch
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: Bedford Branch
Room: Quilt Room - Room F
Age Group: Children
Program Type: Educational, Storytime & Playgroups
Registration Required
Event Details:

This program will take place on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of every month and is specifically geared towards 4 -6 year old kids who are just starting their reading adventure.

After School Adventures

3:30pm–4:15pm
Children, Tweens
Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Library Branch: Summerfield – Petersburg Branch
Age Group: Children, Tweens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational, General
Event Details:

After School Adventures happens each Monday at the library!  Stop by after school for a variety of fun activities: building challenges, mindfulness practice, puzzles and art projects.  Each week will be something different! 

Homeschoolers Happenings

1:00pm–2:00pm
Children, Tweens, Teens
Carleton Branch
Registration Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: Carleton Branch
Age Group: Children, Tweens, Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, Educational
Registration Required
Event Details:

Join us the first and third Tuesday of every month from now until the end of May.  We meet at 1pm for fun, crafts, STEM, library adventurers and more.  So get your homeschoolers  together and join us for our next meeting.

Disclaimer(s)

Accompanying Adults

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program.

Food Allergens

We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.

Weather Closing Statement

If area schools are closed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs will be canceled that day.  

If schools are delayed due to inclement weather or weather-related incidences, all library youth programs scheduled after the delay period will take place at their regular times.

If in doubt, always feel free to touch base with your local branch to see what events are taking place.

Learning Cursive

4:00pm–6:00pm
Children, Teens, Adults
Robert A. Vivian Branch
Library Branch: Robert A. Vivian Branch
Age Group: Children, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Educational
Event Details:

Do you remember CURSIVE?

Join us as we revisit this lost art of writing. 

It only takes paper and a pencil to try your hand at writing in cursive.