Elementary & Tween

children doing activities at the library

There is always something going on here at the library! Besides shelves of fantastic reads, you can take home a craft kit, board game, or visit us for a program. All programs are free, and you are welcome to drop in.

plastic boxes with science logos
STEM Kits

Experiments in a box! We have a huge variety of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) kits (including Little Bits, MakeyMakey, Engineering with Ramps), just waiting to go home with you, check out two at a time.

Tween STEAM & Crafts

paint brush beaker and light bulb

Are you 9-12? You're invited to hang-out, explore STEAM, and make crafts with Miss Rosie. We meet two Thursdays per month at 4 p.m. during the school year (not including school breaks).

Tweens reading
Tween Reading Lists
Board Games

Tech Bar

Circuits with bolts

Whether you want to experiment with our Little Bits or try out new creations with our Makey Makeys, this is the place! Includes tutorials and links to using these fun tech tools.

MakerFest

This is our annual celebration of Making and all things STEAM. Ask at the Youth Services desk for details on when our next MakerFest event will be.  For more information, check out our friends from the STEAM/Maker Alliance  and other STEAM and Making organizations in our region!

Special Features

Sometimes we "space out" - exploring out-of-this-world projects and really cool ideas. These include:

  • Exolab 
  • James Webb Space Telescope First Images

Events

Rory Gilmore Book Club

2:45pm - 4:00pm
Fife Lake Public Library
Library Branch: Fife Lake Public Library
Age Group: Tweens, Teen, Adults, Seniors
Program Type: Book Club
Event Details:
Join us for Book Club this month! Rory Gilmore is reading "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger for April.  WE MEET AT 2:55 P.M. This is a public book club, and everyone is welcome to join. Even if you haven't read the book, you...

Build n' Create

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Story Room - Youth Services
Age Group: Youth, Preschool, Elementary, Tweens
Program Type: Crafts/Games/Hobbies, Play/Just for Fun
Event Details:
Join us for fun with LEGO and other engineering challenges. Build something tall, moveable or stable, and challenge yourself to build & create. ...

Big Kid Storytime

11:00am - 11:45am
Kingsley Branch Library
Library Branch: Kingsley Branch Library
Age Group: Preschool, Elementary
Program Type: Storytime
Event Details:
Join librarians and volunteers for Big Kid Storytime! We encourage kids 4 and up to attend with their caregivers. Movement, music, stories, art, and more! Free and open to the public, every Thursday from 11-11:45am at Kingsley Branch Library's Commun...

Tween Time

4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Story Room - Youth Services
Age Group: Youth, Elementary, Tweens
Program Type: Crafts/Games/Hobbies, Explore, Make, STEAM
Event Details:
Tweens are invited to try their hands at various arts and crafts with STEAM related concepts and fun projects to make and take! This program is geared toward older kids grades 3-6. ...

Dungeons & Dragons

4:00pm - 8:00pm
Fife Lake Public Library
Library Branch: Fife Lake Public Library
Age Group: Tweens, Teen
Program Type: Crafts/Games/Hobbies, Play/Just for Fun
Event Details:
Please join us for D&D at the library! Dinner will be provided. You do not need to have experience, but please come ready to learn and take the campaign seriously! Thank you! If lack of transportation to and/or from the library is keeping your...

Teen Chess Club

11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - Traverse City
Library Branch: Main Library - Traverse City
Room: Teen Services
Age Group: Tweens, Teen
Program Type: Play/Just for Fun
Event Details:
Looking for someone to play Chess with or interested in learning how?  Meet up in Teen Services to learn and have some fun.  ...
Youth computer stations
Chairs and table in reading area of Youth Services
mermaid and child