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.
The Make & Share Cookbook Club invites participants each month to prepare one of the recipes from a selected cookbook and bring it to share during that evening's gathering where we will discuss the dishes we made and the cookbook. This book club is held on the first Thursday of the month from 5:15-6:30 pm in the community room. We ask that participants bring their item along with serving utensils and pot holders if the dish is hot.
In August, we are cooking from Parm to Table: Italian American and American Italian Recipes from Ponza to the Bronx by Christian Petroni
*This program is intended for adult patrons only. If you have known food allergies, please make the host aware before attending. The monthly book selection is available for pickup at the front desk. For more information, email erin@dowagiacdl.org or call 269-782-3826.
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT! All tickets have been distributed. This is a make-up date for the canceled event.
Join us at the Library Pavilion at 11:00. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Messy Time information. In the event of inclement weather, Messy Time may need to be canceled. If in doubt, please call us at 782-3826.
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.
The library Board of Trustees holds its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 9, at 4:30pm. The meeting is in the Community Room and open to the public.
Questions or comments? Call 269-782-3826 or email librarydirector (at) dowagiacdl (dot) org
If you need special accommodations per ADA or for other reasons please contact the Director at the email address above before the meeting and accommodations will be arranged.
Join us for the Sip & Share Book Club at Sister Lakes Brewing Company. August’s book is The Island by Adrian McKinty.
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 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.
*This book club is for adult patrons. 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. For further information, please call Erin at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org
Future Scientist Society is a STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) program designed for kids ages 4-8 and will meet once a month to encourage science inquiry with the younger children.
Join us in The Pokagon Room at 10:30 on the second Friday of the month. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Future Scientist Society information.
Questions? Please call (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) 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.
Creative Kids Club is an arts and crafts program designed for kids ages 4-8 and will meet once a month to encourage artistic expression with the younger children.
Join us in The Pokagon Room at 10:30 on the third Friday of the month. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Creative Kids Club information.
Questions? Please call (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) 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.
Mousetrap Car: Create a car using a mousetrap and a little bit of luck.
Come to this STEAM for Tweens activity for unique experience using common household tools.
Space is limited, so please register by August 31 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.
September Book: Catch a Cat Burglar by Shiloh Gordon
Crime is on the rise in Dogtown, and it’s all thanks to a mysterious cat burglar! They’ve stolen everything from handbags to ham sandwiches, and nobody has been able to catch them. Now The Underdog Detective Agency is on the case . . . but as their name might suggest, they aren’t exactly the best sleuths in town. Barkley and the other dogs at the agency have been in a bit of a slump, but this latest case could turn it all around. So to catch this menacing cat burglar, they may have to do the unthinkable and hire their first-ever cat detective. Enter Fang, a street-smart, one-eyed feline and the newest member of the team. Being a cat in a dog’s world isn’t easy, but Fang is determined to prove she’s got what it takes. Will Fang and Barkley be able to work together to solve the case and help make Underdogs the top dogs once again? You’ll have to read to find out in this paws-itively hilarious mystery!
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 second Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.
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.
It’s All About Space: Design a mural using clay and scientific knowledge of our solar system.
Come to this STEAM for Tweens activity for an out-of-this-world experience.
Space is limited, so please register by September 21 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.
September Book: Pax by Sara Pennypacker
From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come. Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild. At his grandfather's house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be—with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.
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 fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.
October Book: Murray and Bun: Murray the Knight by Adam Stower
Murray the cat likes the quiet life. Too bad for him, he lives with Bun, a rabbit who is bound to end up in trouble, and Fumblethumb, a wizard who accidentally enchanted the cap flap. Which means sometimes the cat flap leads to the garden, but sometimes it leads to adventure, which is how Murray and Bun find themselves as knights! But things are not calm in this world of kings, castles, and chaos. Sir Nasty is less than noble and has stolen Princess Rubytoes. Murray and Bun must master a jousting competition and navigate one super complicated maze if they have any hope of bringing the princess home in time for a cat nap.
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 second Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.
October Book: ReStart by Gordon Korman
Chase's memory just went out the window. Chase doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. He doesn't, in fact, remember anything. He wakes up in a hospital room and suddenly has to learn his whole life all over again . . . starting with his own name. He knows he's Chase. But who is Chase? When he gets back to school, he sees that different kids have very different reactions to his return. Some kids treat him like a hero. Some kids are clearly afraid of him. One girl in particular is so angry with him that she pours her frozen yogurt on his head the first chance she gets. Pretty soon, it's not only a question of who Chase is--it's a question of who he was . . . and who he's going to be.
Restart is the spectacular story of a kid with a messy past who has to figure out what it means to get a clean start.
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 fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.
November Book: The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Can a robot survive in the wilderness? When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants. As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.
From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.
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 fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.
**The library is closed temporarily, but the show must go on! This event is still happening as scheduled and taking place off-site at Sister Lakes Brewing.
Step right up for a night of mystery, laughter, and circus-sized suspense! Join us at Sister Lakes Brewing for Murder Under The Big Top, an interactive murder mystery party where everyone is part of the show.
Enjoy an evening of clues, costumes, secrets, and surprises as you work with other guests to solve the crime before the final reveal. Whether you're a master detective or just in it for the fun, this adults-only event is the perfect mix of comedy, mystery, and fun.
When you sign up, you will choose between a main character or a supporting character. If you choose a main character it's important to let us know if you can't make it as your part is crucial to the storyline. We encourage attendees to get into character by dressing their part (not mandatory), practicing their characters, and bringing their best vibes.
This event will be held at:
Sister Lakes Brewing Company
92500 CO RD 690
Dowagiac, MI 49047*
Check in starts at 6pm
Game starts at 6:30pm
This event is for those 21 years & older. Participation is free, but you must register so that we can assign characters and have a fun and interactive night.
Registration is closed, we will have additional characters available at the brewery.
You can call the library at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org if you have any questions.
*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.
Children ages 1-3 and their parents or caregivers are invited to Toddler Story time at Dowagiac District Library. We will have books, songs, action rhymes, and other fun activities that help participants develop early literacy skills that is immediately followed by a play group. Toddler Story Time takes place every Thursday at 10:30 am.
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.
Unleash the creature within you as you learn about descendants from the Mesozoic dinosaurs and reptiles. Join the Critchlow alligator experts for an up-close opportunity to see some relatives of the dinosaurs. Please meet in the children’s area in the library by 1:50.
Jerry DeCaire, Marvel-Comics Artist for Deadpool, Wolverine, Thor, and other world-famous superheroes will present his own signature live-drawing performance and workshop here at the Dowagiac District Library on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 10:00am-1:00pm in the community room.
Mr. DeCaire will show how a comic book is made from beginning to end, and the demo-drawings are then given away. In addition to the live drawing demonstrations that walk attendees through the process of drawing superheroes using math, art, and science principles, you will also be provided the materials to create illustrations along with the artist.
*This event is at capacity.
**Materials will be provided to use during the workshop. For more information or to register, email erin@dowagiacdl.org, call 269-782-3826, or fill out the form below.
Nature Ninjas is an environmental program designed for kids ages 4-8 and will meet once a month to encourage environmental awareness and artistic expression with the younger children. This program corresponds to last week’s Creative Kids Club stone pottery project.
Join us in The Pokagon Room at 10:30 on the fourth Friday of the month. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Nature Ninjas information.
Questions? Please call (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com.
Children ages 1-3 and their parents or caregivers are invited to Toddler Story time at Dowagiac District Library. We will have books, songs, action rhymes, and other fun activities that help participants develop early literacy skills that is immediately followed by a play group. Toddler Story Time takes place every Thursday at 10:30 am.
We're crafting our own dino-era soda tab buddies! Take a soda tab and unleash your creativity to design a prehistoric buddy straight from your imagination.
We will provide the supplies, just bring your creativity.
*This program is free and intended for patrons 6th-12th grade. Registration is required, space is limited. Sign up by Friday, July 17. Call 269-782-3826, or email dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com, or fill out the form below to register.
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.
Movie Selection: The Great Longneck Migration
Littlefoot has been on many adventures before, but in this new edition to the Land Before Time series, the next adventure may change his life...forever.
The program, Unearth a Movie, is for children 12 years old and younger. Each week features a Land Before Time movie selection appropriate for younger audiences. Movies will be shown in the Spark Room, located in the library’s Children’s Area.
Kids of all ages are invited to join us for Messy Time Mondays throughout the summer. Projects and activities might involve paint, chalk, water and other “messy” materials, so please wear older or play clothes. We’re often in direct sunlight, so please remember to put sunscreen on before leaving the house.
Join us at the Library Pavilion at 11:00 on Monday mornings. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Messy Time information. In the event of inclement weather, Messy Time may need to be canceled. If in doubt, please call us at 782-3826.
Everybody loves music and everyone loves dinosaurs. Celebrate summer reading and unleash your musical talents with BenJammin and family. Please meet in the children’s area in the library by 12:50.
Join us for Craft Night at the Library! In July, we will be making beaded bracelets.
We will provide the supplies, just bring your creativity.
*In July, this program for families and patrons of all ages. SPACE IS LIMITED and registration is required. Call 269-782-3826, email dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com, or fill out the form below.
Children ages 1-3 and their parents or caregivers are invited to Toddler Story time at Dowagiac District Library. We will have books, songs, action rhymes, and other fun activities that help participants develop early literacy skills that is immediately followed by a play group. Toddler Story Time takes place every Thursday at 10:30 am.
HOURS:
Thursday, July 16, 9am-7pm
Friday, July 17, 9am-5:30pm
Saturday, July 18, 9am-2pm
Monday, July 20, 9am-2pm *$2 BAG Day!
Located in the community room at Dowagiac District Library and hosted by the Dowagiac Ladies Library Association.
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.
Simulating Strip Mining: Explore how coal is extracted from Earth’s crust. Keep in mind, coal was formed before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Come to this STEAM for Tweens activity for an edible lab simulating strip mining methods.
Space is limited, so please register by July 13 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.
The library Board of Trustees holds its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 14, at 4:30pm. The meeting is in the Community Room and open to the public.
Questions or comments? Call 269-782-3826 or email librarydirector (at) dowagiacdl (dot) org
If you need special accommodations per ADA or for other reasons please contact the Director at the email address above before the meeting and accommodations will be arranged.
Recipe Rock Stars is a fun beginner cooking program that dishes out simple recipes and cooking basics. This program is for teens 6th through 12th grade and meets the second Tuesday of each month at 3:30 pm in the Pokagon Room on the 2nd floor.
July’s recipe is: Dino Dogs. Teens will be making Dino Dogs (aka hot dogs). All beef hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry and baked. We will also be playing Dino Bingo while enjoying our snacks.
If you have known food allergies, please make the host aware before attending. Items in this recipe are: puff pastry, hot dogs, chili sauce, ketchup, mustard, and cheese.
*These programs are free and intended for patrons 6th-12th grade. Registration is required. Sign up by Friday, July 10. Register online, Call 269-782-3826, or email dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com, 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.
Movie Selection: Land Before Time 7: The Stone of Cold Fire
A mysterious object crashes near the great valley and Petrie's untrustful uncle arrives in search of it, believing it to be "a storm of cold fire", a susposed rock of great powers.
The program, Unearth a Movie, is for children 12 years old and younger. Each week features a Land Before Time movie selection appropriate for younger audiences. Movies will be shown in the Spark Room, located in the library’s Children’s Area.
Kids of all ages are invited to join us for Messy Time Mondays throughout the summer. Projects and activities might involve paint, chalk, water and other “messy” materials, so please wear older or play clothes. We’re often in direct sunlight, so please remember to put sunscreen on before leaving the house.
Join us at the Library Pavilion at 11:00 on Monday mornings. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Messy Time information. In the event of inclement weather, Messy Time may need to be canceled. If in doubt, please call us at 782-3826.
Ready for a morning of dynamite dinosaur fun? Children ages 3-8, bring your adopted dinosaur to help you find dinosaur eggs at the library. Watch your eggs hatch and enjoy fossil snacks and pterodactyl punch with Tyrannus and Rexy, the library’s dinosaurs. After snacks, you will make a bed for your dinosaur in the library for a sleepover with its dinosaur playmates.
Space is limited, so please register by July 6 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.
Future Scientist Society is a STEM (science-technology-engineering-math) program designed for kids ages 4-8 and will meet once a month to encourage science inquiry with the younger children.
Join us in The Pokagon Room at 10:30 on the second Friday of the month. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Future Scientist Society information.
Questions? Please call (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com.
Design and create your very own garden stone using river pebbles and stones.
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT! Tickets must be picked up in person and will be available starting Monday, June 8, 2026.
Children ages 1-3 and their parents or caregivers are invited to Toddler Story time at Dowagiac District Library. We will have books, songs, action rhymes, and other fun activities that help participants develop early literacy skills that is immediately followed by a play group. Toddler Story Time takes place every Thursday at 10:30 am.
Join us for the Sip & Share Book Club at Sister Lakes Brewing Company. July’s book is A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon.
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 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.
*This book club is for adult patrons. 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. For further information, please call Erin at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org
Since time immemorial the Pokagon Band have considered Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana home. Join us as Cecil Wilson, Historic Researcher for the Pokagon Band, walks us through the history of the Pokagon Band and the land they belong to.
No registration required, this program is open to the public and provided by the Pokagon Band History & Culture Center. Need more information? Contact Erin at 269-782-3826.
Want to spice up your recipes? Join our spice club! July’s Spice Is: Berry Patch Sugar Sprinkles. This mix is perfect for sprinkling on top of a bowl of fresh summer berries and oatmeal. Or add to muffins, scones, and fruit crisps that have fresh berries as the main ingredient.
Each month we will feature a new spice that will be available in take-home kits for our patrons to come in and pick up and enjoy for FREE.
Please make sure that you have no known allergies to these ingredients before picking up a package. This month includes: sugar crystals, dried orange peel, and cinnamon.
*Dowagiac District Library is not responsible for reactions or sensitivities to the spices, Ages 18+ pickup only.
What it includes:
a small sample of the spice blend
a cookbook suggestion
The spice kits will be available the first Tuesday of each month. Pick up lasts for One (1) week. These are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Movie Selection: Land Before Time 3: The Time of the Great Giving
When a sudden shortage of water threatens all life in the great valley, The gang of young dinosaur must cooperate with a group of bullies to make a risky journey outside the valley and find the cause.
The program, Unearth a Movie, is for children 12 years old and younger. Each week features a Land Before Time movie selection appropriate for younger audiences. Movies will be shown in the Spark Room, located in the library’s Children’s Area.
Kids of all ages are invited to join us for Messy Time Mondays throughout the summer. Projects and activities might involve paint, chalk, water and other “messy” materials, so please wear older or play clothes. We’re often in direct sunlight, so please remember to put sunscreen on before leaving the house.
Join us at the Library Pavilion at 11:00 on Monday mornings. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Messy Time information. In the event of inclement weather, Messy Time may need to be canceled. If in doubt, please call us at 782-3826.
