Download the latest program newsletter.

Paws to Read (Grades K & Up)
9:30-11:30 AM, SAT, Sept. 7, Oct. 26
Develop reading skills with a supportive friend who won’t judge or interrupt. Children and their caregivers can check in at the children’s desk to take turns reading to a certified therapy dog with its handler. Bring a book from home or choose one in the library.
Program Room

Preschool Pages (Ages 3.5-5)
10-10:30 AM, TUE, Sept.10-Oct. 29
Stories, rhymes and activities for preschoolers to help prepare them for kindergarten. Shelby Township residents may register online one week in advance for each class. 
Program Room

Toddler Tales (Ages 2-3.5)
10-10:30 AM, WED, Sept. 11-Oct. 30
11-11:30 AM, WED, Sept. 11-Oct. 30
Stories, songs, rhymes, and activities for toddlers and their caregivers. Shelby Township residents may register online one week in advance for each class. No storytime Sept. 25.  
Program Room

Families & Jammies (All Ages)
6:30-7:30 PM, THU, Sept. 12, Oct. 10
Put on your pajamas and drop in for stories, songs and activities for the family.
Program Room

LEGO Bingo Challenge (All Ages)
1:30-3: PM, SAT, Sept. 14
Select from challenges listed on a bingo card to complete a variety of LEGO builds and earn a “bingo!”
Legacy Room

Baby Bears Storytime (Under 2 Years)
10-10:30 AM,  FRI, Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Oct. 18
Drop in for short stories, songs, lap bounces and playtime with other little ones.
Program Room 

Kids Owl Meet & Greet (Ages 6-11_
6:30-7:30 PM, THU, Sept. 26
Meet Pearl, the barn owl from the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, and learn some fun facts about owls. Afterwards, make a “pet owl” to take home using common craft supplies. Registration begins Sept. 12.
Legacy Room

Ha Ha Harvest (All Ages)
1:30-2: 30 PM, SAT, Oct. 12
3-4 PM, SAT, Oct. 12
Join the funny puppet guy, Richard Paul, for a hilarious harvest show with ventriloquism, magic and music, guaranteed to keep kids of all ages laughing and having fun. Please register for only one show and register each person attending. Registration begins Sept. 28. 
Legacy Room

Kids Pixel Art (Ages 6-11)
6:30-7:30 PM, THU, Oct. 24
Use a pixel art generator to design a coded worksheet where each letter matches a color in the color key. We will print your worksheet and provide the stickers for you to fill in all the colors. Registration begins Oct. 10.
Program Room

"Diwal"Oween" Family Movie (All Ages)
1:30-2:30 PM, SAT, Oct. 26
Winner of 13 international awards, “Diwal’Oween” (G) is a whimsical family comedy combining the holidays Diwali and Halloween. After watching the 45-minute film, join us for a Q&A session with the writer, director and producer, Shilpa Mankikar.
Legacy Room

Take the Mission: Read challenge

Mission: Read challenges students in grades K-3 to read for 1,000 days before grade 6. A thousand days sounds like a lot, but Mission: Read makes it fun.

Readers sign up at shelbytwplib.beanstack.org to log whatever they want to read for as long as they wish. Before logging on, readers should ask, "did I read today?" If the answer is, "yes" then whatever they read counts towards their 1,000 days.

When you complete your mission, report back to a librarian, and we'll have an out-of-this-world reward for you.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Set a goal to read 1,000 books to your little ones before they start kindergarten as you start reading with your children the day they are born.

Reading together is enjoyable and builds language skills children need before they go to school. Track your progress after you sign up at shelbytwplib.beanstack.org. Earn digital badges as every book you read together counts every time you read it.

Children receive a sticker for every 100 books they read and a free book and tote bag when they finish 1,000 books. Show a librarian your digital badges to earn the prizes. Our partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Utica and Shelby Township funds this program.

The Shelby Township Library has a lot to offer teenagers. We have movies, magazines, books, and more. Check out the teen section of our library.

Download the latest program newsletter.

Afterschool Teen Hangout (Grades 7-12)
3-4:30 PM, WED, Sept. 4-Oct. 30
Drop by after school to play games of all kinds including: board games, party games, TTRPGs and more! We’ll show you how to play. No hangout Sept. 18 or Oct. 16.
Program Room

Teen Advisory Board (Grades 7-12)
6-7:30 PM, THU, Sept. 5, Oct. 3
Help plan events at the library for the teens in our community. Earn service hours for attending the meetings. Teens can fill out a TAB application found at the information desks in the library or on the library website. 
Legacy Room

Tween Sushi Creations (Ages 8-12)
6:30-7:30 PM, THU, Sept. 19
Create a decorative set of toy sushi using fabric odds and ends. Then create an edible candy sushi snack. Registration begins Sept. 5.
Program Room

Teen Book Club (Grades 7-12)
3-4:30 PM, SAT, Sept. 21, Oct. 19
Come hang out, talk about the book and enjoy a themed activity.  Free copies of the book will be available for pick up before each month’s meeting, while supplies last. 
Sept. 21: “Instructions for Dancing” by Nicola Yoon
Oct. 19: “The Agathas” by Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
Program Room

Teen Night: Vision Board Workshop (Grades 7-12)
6-7:30 PM, FRI, Sept. 27
Make a vision board to help you with personal and academic goals this school year. Feel free to bring old magazines, photos or anything you’d like to add to your vision board. Light refreshments and supplies provided. Registration begins Sept. 13.
Program Room

Tween Build a Monster Workshop (Ages 8-12)
6:30-7:30 PM, THU, Oct. 17
Roll the dice to see what randomized options you get and create your own monstrosity using various odds and ends. Registration begins Oct. 3.
Program Room

Teen Movie Night: “Five Nights at Freddy's” (Grades 7-12)
6-8 PM, FRI, Oct. 25
Watch “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (PG-13) on the library’s big screen and enjoy some pizza. Halloween costumes are welcome. Registration begins Oct. 11. 
Legacy Room

Homework Help

• Access an online tutor, live, every day from noon to midnight through Tutor.com.
• Access test preparation, study materials and college prep resources with Learning Express Library.
• Access online resources for homework help, college preparation, career preparation and more with mel.org.
• Discover resources for research projects with the library’s databases.
• Ask a librarian for help.

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100 Books Before Graduation

The 100 Books Before Graduation challenge for teens in grades 7-12 is to finish reading 100 books before graduating high school.

Participants can read or listen to any book they have yet to read, including school reading assignments and graphic novels. Complete the challenge to collect prizes and virtual badges along the way. Reading for fun can result in higher test scores, improved vocabulary and writing skills, increased social skills, reduces stress, and improved emotional health.

After completing 100 Books Before Graduation, participants will be more likely to enjoy a lifelong love of reading. Track your progress with the free “Beanstack” app or sign up at shelbytwplib.beanstack.org.

The Shelby Township Library offers virtual, to-go and in-person library programs to engage the community. For archived programs, view the playlist below for our adult library programs or watch it on the "Shelby TV" YouTube channel.

Programming

Programs will be hosted in-person at the library unless otherwise stated. 

Download the latest program newsletter.

Talk and Textile
2-4 PM, TUE, Sept. 10, Sept. 24, Oct. 8, Oct. 22 
Drop in and work on your fiber project with other craft enthusiasts. All skill levels welcome and while this is not a class, experienced fiber artists may be able to help beginners. Bring your own supplies. 
Meeting Room

Understanding Medicare Seminar
7 PM, WED, Sept. 18
Learn the ABC’s of Medicare and what’s covered with Parts A and B. Understand eligibility, enrollment periods and how to avoid penalties. Overview of additional coverage options, Medicare Supplements, Part C Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Plans.
Legacy Room

Submerged Settlements of Lake St. Clair
7 PM, WED, Sept. 25
In the mid-1800’s steam was harnessed to deepen the channels of the St. Clair Flats--causing rising waters to inundate the village of Belvidere and St. Felicity church. Maritime Archaeologist Professor Dan Harrison will share this fascinating history.
Legacy Room

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
1:30 PM, SAT, Sept. 28
Bring a team or come on your own and compete with jigsaw puzzles for fun and prizes. Registration not required. 
Legacy Room

UFO's Over Michigan
7 PM, WED, Oct. 16
Did you know that MI has some of the biggest UFO cases on record? The 1966 sightings over Southeast MI and 1994 sightings over Grand Rapids each had literally hundreds of eye-witnesses to them, including law enforcement and radar returns. Find out more from Bill Konkolesky, State Director for the MI chapter of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), about these incredible events as well as several other unusual and well-documented UFO sightings from the Great Lakes State.
Legacy Room

Adult Alcohol Inks Mug Craft Night
7 PM, WED, Oct. 23
Relax and decorate a mug using alcohol inks and plastic wrap. You’ll have fun and create a unique project. Registration begins Oct. 5.
Legacy Room

Michigan Haunts
7 PM, WED, Oct. 30
MI has always been a region of mystery. Many strange occurrences have been documented, and tales of allegedly paranormal activity continue to surface to the present day. From the notorious hauntings of remote lighthouses like Seul Choix, to the hauntings of Eloise—one of the most famous psychiatric asylums in America—to the ghost of Minnie Quay, who still wanders Northern MI shorelines, co-authors Jon Milan and Gail Offen explore MI’s most haunted places in their latest book, 
“Michigan Haunts: Public Places, Eerie Spaces.” Join us for a spooky evening of local history!
Legacy Room

Afternoon Book Club

The Afternoon Book Club is the oldest library-run book club in Michigan. It meets at 1 p.m. the third Thursday of each month for a lively discussion of the month’s book. Newcomers are always welcome. Location: Meeting Room

2024 Book List:

Jan. 18 - “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
Feb. 15 - “The Librarianist” by Patrick DeWitt
Mar. 21 - “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Apr. 18 - “Someone Else’s Shoes” by Jojo Moyes
May 16 - “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict
June 20 - “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult
July 18 - “Beautiful Music” by Michael Zadoorian
Aug. 15 - “I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai
Sept. 19 -  “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger
Oct. 17 - “Hang the Moon” by Jeanette Walls
Nov. 21 - “Fever in the Heartland” by Timothy Egan
Dec. 19 - Select Books for 2025
Jan. 16, 2025  - “The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle” by Jennifer L. Ryan

2024 Afternoon Book Club Bookmark

Evening Book Club

For many, evening is the best time to meet to discuss books, making the Evening Book Club a popular choice. This club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Newcomers are always welcome. Location: Meeting Room

2024 Book List:

Jan. 9 - “Chevy in the Hole” by Kelsey Ronan
Feb. 13 - “Olga Dies Dreaming” by Xochitl Gonzalez
Mar. 12 - “Larose” by Louise Erdrich
Apr. 9 - “V2” by Robert Harris
May 14 - “Eventide” by Kent Haruf
June 11 - “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro
July 9 - “Writers and Lovers” by Lily King
Aug. 13 - “Bandit Queens” by Parini Shroff
Sept. 10 - “Harlem Shuffle” by Colson Whitehead
Oct. 8 - “The Wager” by David Grann
Nov. 12 - “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
Dec. 10 - “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
Jan. 14, 2025 - “Homecoming” by Kate Morton

2024 Evening Book Club Bookmark

Mystery Book Club

Love a good mystery? After you read a mystery do you love to talk about who did it, and how the case was solved. Join the Mystery Book Club at 10:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month as they discuss a mystery book together. Newcomers are always welcome. Location: Meeting Room

2024 Book List:

Jan. 13 - “The Lioness” by Chris Bohjalian
Feb. 10 - “The Killing Hour” by Lisa Gardner
Mar. 9 - “A Kind Worth Killing” by Peter Swanson
Apr.  13  - “The Fire Keepers Daughter” by Angeline Boulley
May 11 - “The Wager” by David Grann
June 8 - “The Murder House” by James Patterson
July 13 - “All the Sinners Bleed” by S.A. Crosby
Aug. 10 - “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger
Sept. 14 - “Better the Blood” by Michael Bennett
Oct. 12 - “Don’t Let Go” by Harlan Coben
Nov.  9 - “The Maid” by Nita Prose
Dec.  14 - “Prior Bad Acts” by Tami Hoag

2024 Mystery Club Bookmark

Not Your Parents' Book Club

Organized by librarians from the Shelby Township Library, we’ll gather at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of the month to discuss edgy, interesting, or offbeat books over an adult beverage or a tasty treat. This club meets at Steakhouse 22 at 48900 Van Dyke Ave.

2024 Book List:

Jan. 30 - “The Orphan Master’s Son” by Adam Johnson
Feb. 27 - “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocum
Mar. 26 - “Ask Again Yes” by Mary Beth Keane
Apr. 30 - “Four Treasures of the Sky” by Jenny Zhang
May 28 - “The Princess Spy” by Larry Loftis
June 25 - “West With Giraffes” by Linda Rutledge
July 30 - “A Woman is No Man” by Etaf Rum
Aug. 27 - “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Sep. 24 - “Maus: A Survivor’s Tale” by Art Spiegelman
Oct. 29 - “The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer
Nov. 26 - “The Crane Husband” by Kelly Barnhill and read aloud “The Crane Wife” by Sumiko Yagawa and Katherine Paterson

2024 Not Your Parents Book Club Bookmark

Shelby Writers' Group

The Shelby Writers' Group is a warm, friendly, professional and fun place for adults to discuss writing and gain invaluable input.

The members are dedicated to improving their craft and helping other aspiring writers attain their goals.

The Writers' Group meets at 6:15 on Thursdays.

Find the latest library newsletter here.

Tech Support at the Shelby Township Library
9:30-11 AM, MON, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, Oct. 28
The tech librarian is available for questions during this time. The program is first come, first-served. Bring your devices and questions and we will work together for a solution. Popular topics include setting up digital services, care for devices and help with Microsoft Office.
Conference Room

Tech Talks
1 PM, TUE, Sept. 10-Oct. 29
Bring your curiosity as our tech librarian covers popular topics in the technology world on Tuesdays at 1 PM. These classes are perfect for beginners and those wanting to learn a little more. All learners are welcome.
Sept. 10 - Smartphone Skills
Sept. 17 - Smartphone Skills Q&A
Sept. 24 - iPad Skills
Oct. 1 - Tracking (and Eliminating) Your Digital Footprint on Facebook and Google
Oct. 8 - Searching on the Internet
Oct. 15 - Keeping Your Computer Safe
Oct. 22 - Digital Safety for the Family
Oct. 29 - Introduction to Facebook
Technology Lab

Fax/Scan

 The library has a fax machine, and domestic faxes are $1 per page to send. The library does not receive faxes or perform international faxing. Patrons can scan documents for saving or sending for free.

Printing

All library computers print to a self-service print release station in our technology lab and lobby. Printed pages are $.10 per black and white copy and $0.25 for color prints.

Wireless printing and prints are available for pickup at the print release stations.

Documents are only stored in the print queue for eight hours.  Once that time expires, we are unable to retrieve and print your document.

Please contact the library if you need special assistance.

Wi-Fi Access

The library provides wireless internet access anywhere in the building; please properly configure your laptop. Connect to "SBLWIFI" in your wireless settings and accept our usage policies to log in. The Wi-Fi will disconnect ten minutes before closing time each day.

Exam Proctoring

Reference staff at the library will proctor exams provided you are a Shelby Township Library cardholder in good standing. Students are required to fill out the proctoring form. Once the proctoring form is complete, contact the library to schedule space for an exam.

Study Rooms

The library has five study rooms available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The rooms seat up to six people comfortably. To use a room, please visit the Information Desk.

Most items may be borrowed for three weeks including:

• Books
• Audio Books
• Compact Discs
• Magazines
• Cliff Notes

Some items can be borrowed for seven days including:

• Adult Feature DVDs
• Juvenile Feature DVDs
• Non-Feature DVDs
• Nintendo Switch games

Some items can be borrowed for 14 days including:

• New Adult Fiction

For most items there is no borrowing limit. Take as many books and DVDs as you can carry.

Holds

Are you looking for an item that is checked out or available at another Macomb County library? Use your library card to request the item. You can do it yourself through the Library Catalog, using the SLC Libraries Mobile App or ask a Librarian to hold the item for you. When the item arrives at the Shelby Township Library, we will notify you by email or text message. A few items, like new items owned by some other libraries, and items there is a charge to check out like feature-film DVDs may not be placed on hold.

If you are requesting an item currently on the Shelby Township Library’s shelves, call the Library at 586-739-7414, and items will be held on the Hold Shelves to the left of the Welcome Desk.

To be eligible for a Shelby Township Library card, you must live or be a Shelby Township taxpayer. Proof of residency, such as a valid Michigan driver’s license, Michigan state ID, or two acceptable ID forms with a current address, is required to apply for a library card. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive a card.

You can apply for a library card in person, by emailing shelbylib@libcoop.net, or you can file an electronic application here to access digital resources now.

Shelby Township Library is a member of the Suburban Library Cooperative. All libraries in the SLC offer borrowing privileges to Shelby Township residents. For a complete list of SLC member community libraries, click here.

 Download the complete guide to everything you can unlock with a Shelby Township Library card

Macomb County Library for the Blind and Print Disabled

Macomb Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (MLBPD) serves all residents of Macomb County, who qualify, by providing audio books and players, large print books, equipment that enlarges text, equipment for printing Braille materials, and more.

All services are free.  Materials are mailed postage free to and from the reader. Their website is https://cmpl.org/mlbpd/

The Friends of the Shelby Library are an independent, nonprofit library support organization with elected officials. The Friends of the Shelby Library Board meets at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of the month.

The Friends of the Library bookstore may be found at the front of the library. A donation deposit box is also here for your convenience.

The Friends of the Library are now accepting donations. Donations may be no more than six boxes and not include textbooks, encyclopedias, VHS or magazines. Thank you for your support.

Friends of the Shelby Library Board:

Sydne Hansman
President

Maggie Murray
Vice President

Emily Polet-Monterosso
Treasurer

Julie Householder
Secretary

Beth Bartlett
Membership Chair

The purpose of the Friends of the Library is to support the library with funds and volunteer services that are not normally provided for by library procedures. They also sponsor activities for fundraising and membership enhancement and bring attention to the services offered by the library.

Funds are raised by assessing membership dues, holding fundraisers and selling items in the Friends’ Bookstore. These funds are used to provide furniture, equipment, special events, programs, artwork and materials for the library.

To join the Friends of the Shelby Library, please fill out and submit a membership application.

The library is excited to share local authors from the Shelby Township area. 

To donate to this collection, please reference our Gift and Donation Policy, listed here. 

To donate published books, CDs or DVDs, please complete the submission form and include it with the donated item/s.

Your copy of this completed form may be used as a tax deductible receipt. Donations should be clearly marked "Local Author Collection" and brought to the library front desk.

Library Director

Community Posting Policy
Device Lending Policy
Gifts and Donations Policy
Interlibrary Loan Policy
Internet Use Policy
Material Selection-Collection Development Policy
Media Relations Policy
Meeting Rooms Policy
Patron Code of Conduct Policy
Proctoring Policy
Reconsideration of Materials Policy
Request for Reconsideration Policy
Security Camera Policy
Study Room Policy
Tutor Policy

Volunteering

Adults interested in volunteering can join the Friends of the Library and assist with book donations and the bookstore.

Friends of the Library application

When the Shelby Township Library has positions available they will be listed by the township's Human Resources Department.

Shelby Township Employment

Michigan Activity Pass

Did you know the Michigan Activity Pass transforms your library card into your best travel companion? Discover hundreds of Michigan’s cultural destinations and natural attractions with your library card. You can “check out” FREE or discounted admission passes or other exclusive offers to hundreds of Michigan state parks, campgrounds, museums, trails, and arts and cultural destinations.

Detroit Zoo Discount

Library card holders receive savings when ordering Detroit Zoo tickets online. Visit this website and input code "SLC" to receive five dollars off a general admission ticket. While on the site, users can also purchase food vouchers and parking. Getting your dose of Vitamin Z just became a little easier.