****THIS IS A DATE CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. WE WILL NOW MEET ON 10/26/2025 at 10AM**

Join us for our first session of The Adventure Literary Society Walking Book Club this October. Lace up those shoes and meet us for a one-of-a-kind adventure that blends hiking with a book club. As we traverse the Rudolphi Wildlife Refuge trails, Carlyn Morris from Back to Wild Adventures, will provide us with hiking fundamentals and local history while we chat about this month's pick, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.

This event will be held at:
Rudolphi Wildlife Refuge
57000 Dailey Rd
Dowagiac, MI 49047

• Meet at the trailhead at 10:00am

• We will discuss hiking safety before we begin.

• Please make sure to wear comfortable clothing, shoes, and bring a full water bottle.

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.

For further information, please call Erin at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org

*This event is for those 18+ and older.

Believe in ghosts? Join T. M. P. S. (The Michiana Paranormal Society), for a lecture on the paranormal. See what it takes to be a ghost hunter and view the evidence they have collected to prove that the things that go bump in the night do indeed exist!*

This event will be held in the community room.

*Must be 16 or older, or have parental approval to attend the lecture.

Join us for an evening with Great Michigan Read Author, Curtis Chin. He will discuss his award winning memoir Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. His book is a deeply personal and socially relevant narrative about self-discovery, activism, and the power of storytelling.

This is a free event and registration is not required.

It will be held at:
Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center
57072 Riverside Dr
Dowagiac, MI 49047

This author event with Curtis Chin is part of the Great Michigan Read fall tour. The 2025–26 Great Michigan Read is presented by Michigan Humanities. Additional support is provided by national, statewide, and local partners, including the Library of Michigan and MSU Federal Credit Union.

November Book: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder (Holly Jackson)

Everyone in Fairview knows the story. Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town. But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer? Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.

Lit Happens! is a book club is for teens 13-18 years old. The club features a young adult (YA) novel each month. The first meeting will be to pick up the book and to set goals for the book club. As a part of Teen Tuesday, Lit Happens! will meet on the first Tuesday 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.

Leaf Chromatography: Have you ever wondered about how leaves get their color? 

 Join us for this STEAM for TWEENS activity to explore the chromatography process to find the hidden pigments in the leaves.

Space is limited, so please register by November 3 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 Make & Share Cookbook Club is held on the first Thursday of the month from 5:15-6:30 pm at the Dowagiac District Library. Make a recipe from the monthly cookbook selection, then join us at the library for a recipe share & book discussion.

In November, we are cooking from A Very Chinese Cookbook: 100 Recipes from China and Not China by Kevin Pang

For more information, email Erin at erin@dowagiaclibrary.org or call 269-782-3826.

Wandering Warriors is the first activity in our Freaky Friday program, designed for kids ages 3-8 and will meet once a month to encourage younger children to be inquisitive.

As a precursor to Veteran’s Day, a veteran will read a story and interact with the children at the library.

Join us at the library at 10:30 on Friday, November 7. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Freaky Friday information.

Questions? Please call (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com.

Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

Saturday, November 22, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

These free activities provide participants a chance to draw and paint characters, or scenes from the book in their own way, while sharing thoughts on the story. Art supplies, pencils, paints, markers, etc. will be provided as well as watercolor paper. The art will be photographed and then guests may take it home. The images will be put into a compilation art video.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00-12:00pm

During the final event, attendees will watch the premier showing of the video. They will have a chance to discuss the intriguing aspects of the novel, video, and art. Themed costumes are welcome, brownies, cookies and juice will be served.

For more information call the library (269) 782-3826 or visit the front desk.

Little Beakers is a science program designed for kids ages 4-7 and will meet once a month to encourage scientific inquiry with the younger children.

Join us in The Pokagon Room at 11:00 on the second Saturday of the month. Please check the website’s calendar and/or Facebook page for additional Little Beakers information.

Space is limited, so please register by November 5 by calling (269) 782-3826 or email (att: Pam) at dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com or fill out the form below.

Please complete to register for this event.

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 second level of the library.

November’s recipes is: Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels

*Registration is required for this event. Sign up by Friday, October 10. Sign up in the youth department, call 269-782-3826, email erin@dowagiacdl.org, or fill out the form below.

November Book: Secret of the Water Dragon by Tracey West

Someone is trying to steal the Dragon Stone. Drake soon discovers that the thief is his friend and fellow Dragon Master, Bo! Could the dark wizard somehow be behind this? The Dragon Masters must find a way to protect the Dragon Stone—and keep Bo's family out of danger. Will the secret to solving their problems lie with Bo's dragon, Shu? Drake is about to find out!

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 last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

Join us for the Sip & Share Book Club at Sister Lakes Brewing Company. November’s book: That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

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.

For further information, please call Erin at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org

*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.

Give your favorite book a total glow-up*. Join us in the Pokagon Room for a fun evening of bedazzling and customizing your favorite book covers with diamond gems. We’ve got all the bling you need so just bring a book, use one of ours from our book sale area, or let us print a cover to glam up a composition notebook. Get ready to let your creativity shine!

*This program is intended for patrons 12 and up and registration is required for this program. To register or for more information call 269-782-3826 or email dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com, or fill out the form below.

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.

Building a Turkey Cage (STEM):   In the spirit of making sure we don’t have any runaway turkeys to trap this Thanksgiving, we took up the Thanksgiving Turkey STEM challenge! We are going to nip the problem of runaway turkeys in the bud and devise a cage to contain our turkeys.

 Join us for this STEAM for TWEENS activity to build a miniature version of a turkey cage.

Space is limited, so please register by November 17 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.

Join us for Craft Night at the Library! In November, we're making easy DIY Gnomes that'll add a little cuteness to your autumn decor*. This Craft Night will be held in the Pokagon Room, 2nd Floor of the library.

This is a FREE event. We will supply everything you need, just bring your creativity!

*This program is intended for patrons 12 and up and registration is required for this program. To register or for more information call 269-782-3826 or email dowagiaclibrarystaff@gmail.com, or fill out the form below.

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.

Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

Saturday, November 22, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

These free activities provide participants a chance to draw and paint characters, or scenes from the book in their own way, while sharing thoughts on the story. Art supplies, pencils, paints, markers, etc. will be provided as well as watercolor paper. The art will be photographed and then guests may take it home. The images will be put into a compilation art video.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00-12:00pm

During the final event, attendees will watch the premier showing of the video. They will have a chance to discuss the intriguing aspects of the novel, video, and art. Themed costumes are welcome, brownies, cookies and juice will be served.

For more information call the library (269) 782-3826 or visit the front desk.

November Book: The Case of the Mystery Meat Loaf by David Lewman

In The Case of the Mystery Meat Loaf, Ben, Corey, and Hannah’s first case as Club CSI begins when a bunch of students and the principal get food poisoning from the cafeteria’s hot lunch. Everyone blames the new science teacher because she pushed the lunch lady to add her healthy “meatless meat loaf” recipe to the menu, but Club CSI isn’t pointing fingers until they evaluate the evidence. Can they find out who messed with the meat loaf before the science teacher gets in trouble or more people get sick? Club CSI is on the case!

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 last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

The Make & Share Cookbook Club is held on the first Thursday of the month from 5:15-6:30 pm at the Dowagiac District Library. Make a recipe from the monthly cookbook selection, then join us at the library for a recipe share & book discussion.

In December, we are cooking from Martha: The Cookbook—100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen by Martha Stewart

For more information, email Erin at erin@dowagiaclibrary.org or call 269-782-3826.

Saturday, November 8, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

Saturday, November 22, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm

These free activities provide participants a chance to draw and paint characters, or scenes from the book in their own way, while sharing thoughts on the story. Art supplies, pencils, paints, markers, etc. will be provided as well as watercolor paper. The art will be photographed and then guests may take it home. The images will be put into a compilation art video.

Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00-12:00pm

During the final event, attendees will watch the premier showing of the video. They will have a chance to discuss the intriguing aspects of the novel, video, and art. Themed costumes are welcome, brownies, cookies and juice will be served.

For more information call the library (269) 782-3826 or visit the front desk.

December Book: Power of the Fire Dragon by Tracey West

The Dragon Masters are going to visit Queen Rose's kingdom. But Rori and Drake must stay behind. Then a four-headed dragon attacks the castle—and Maldred is riding it! How is Maldred controlling this giant dragon? Will Rori and Drake have to battle the dark wizard on their own?

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 last Wednesday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.

Join us for the Sip & Share Book Club at Sister Lakes Brewing Company. December’s book will be announced after the November meeting.

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.

For further information, please call Erin at (269) 782-3826 or email erin@dowagiacdl.org

*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.

December Book: The Werewolf of Fever Swamp by R.L. Stine

There is something weird happening in Fever Swamp. Something really horrible. It started with the strange howling at night. Then there was the rabbit, torn to shreds. Everyone thinks Grady's new dog is responsible. After all, he looks just like a wolf. And he seems a little on the wild side. But Grady knows his dog is just a regular old dog. And most dogs don't howl at the moon. Or disappear at midnight. Or change into terrifying creatures when the moon is full. Or do they?

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 last Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the Youth Services desk located on the second floor of the library.