Events

Reinvent Classic Art Coloring Contest

All MCLS branches during the month of March

Show off your creativity in our county wide coloring contest. You can pick up a coloring sheet at any Monroe County Library branch and let the art inspire you. You can return your completed coloring page to any MCLS branch from March 1st-31st. Please make sure your name, phone number, and email address are on the back of your returned sheet. Winners will be announced by April 10th. Submissions may be displayed online or in the library. Only one entry per person and you may only use the provided coloring sheet.

Monroe County Art Scavenger Hunt

MCCC Library, all MCLS branches, and the Monroe County Museum System during the month of March

Experience both new and historic art installations around Monroe County. Stop at one of the Monroe County Library System branches, the Monroe County Community College Library, or the Monroe County Museum System to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet to get started!

MCCC Library Display Find the Missing Art

MCCC Library during the month of March

Find the hidden art around the MCCC Library and bring it to the circulation desk for a prize.

EVENTS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

Bad Art Night for Adults

Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library

Monday, March 2nd at 5p.m.-6p.m.

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! Bad Art Night is a chance to unwind and create without the expectations of making something beautiful. No pressure- just a fun time with other adults being creative. Materials are provided–all you bring is the passion. Let's make something dreadful together!

 

Dundee Branch Book Club

Dundee Branch Library

Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30p.m.

Book discussion of The Art Thief.  Everyone is welcome and books are available at the library!

 

Blue Bush Branch Life is a Mystery Book Club

Blue Bush Branch Library

Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30p.m.

Book discussion of The Art Thief.  

 

One Book, One Community Movie Event: The Thomas Crown Affair

Bedford Branch Library

Friday, March 6th at 1p.m.

Join us for a showing of the art heist classic, The Thomas Crown Affair. Snacks will be provided.

 

Art: Behind the Scenes

Bedford Branch Library

Saturday, March 7th at 11a.m.-12:30p.m.

Learn about the logistics of art shows and the magic going on behind the scenes at museums! Denise Tepe graduated from the University of Toledo with her Bachelors of Art History in 2021 and her MBA in 2022. She then moved to New York City in pursuit of a Masters of Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Museums have always been a passion of Denise’s, reinforced by her time working in the Museum Services department of Christie’s auction house. Denise now works in the logistic sector of the art world at Atelier 4 LLC where she coordinates the shipments of museum exhibitions. Please join Denise to learn more about the pivotal role logistics play in making your favorite museum shows possible! Denise will be presenting virtually, but we will discuss with her live.

 

Makerspace One Book Workshop

Makerspace T-160 MCCC

Tuesday, March 10th at 1p.m.-3p.m.

Visit the Makerspace at MCCC to create a project related to The Art Thief.

 

Art and Found Day Painted Rocks

MCCC Library

Thursday March 12th at 1pm-3pm

Paint a rock at the MCCC library. March 12th is Art and Found Day stop by the MCCC Library to paint a rock, all supplies are provided.

 

Ida Branch Book Club

Ida Branch Library

Thursday, March 12th at 5:30p.m.

Book discussion of The Art Thief. New members welcome.

 

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?           

Bedford Branch Library

Saturday, March 14th at 1:30p.m.-3p.m.

Carmen Sandiego has been stealing art from around the world and we need your help to find her. This event will test your knowledge of art, famous thefts, and geography. Teams are encouraged. Teams can be up to four people. Adults and children are welcome! Register at Mymcls.com

 

University of Michigan Art Museum Tour

525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Sunday, March 15th at 1pm

Enjoy a visit to the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Suzanne Krueger from the Ida Branch Library will be your host for the self-guided group tour. Meet at the main entrance lobby at 1:00 p.m.

 

Challenge Book Club

Bedford Branch Library

Sunday, March 15th at 3p.m.

Cooking up something good with books. Please join us for a fun filled booking time! This month will feature "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler". Register at mymcls.com

 

St. Philip Book Club

St. Philip Lutheran Church 1790 Fort St. Trenton MI 48183

Monday, March 16th at 7p.m.

The St. Philip Book Club is discussing The Art Thief. All are welcome.

 

The Art Thief through the Lens of Student Journalism

Room C-218 MCCC

Tuesday March 17th at 1pm

A presentation discussing the process of sourcing and interviewing within the context of The Art Thief, examining the way the author incorporated quotation, journalistic ethics and the role of the media throughout his book, and making connections to the Agora and our news process.

 

Dorsch Branch Afternoon Book Club

Dorsch Memorial Branch Library

Tuesday, March 17th at 2p.m.

Book discussion of The Art Thief.  

 

Building Community Through Book Clubs

La-Z-Boy Atrium MCCC

Tuesday, March 17th at 7p.m.

A panel and interactive discussion about the importance of connecting through book clubs with the founder of Bonding over Books, Sarah Dalley. The program will start at 7p.m. and doors open at 6:30p.m. Bonding over Books, discussion cards, will be available for sale.

 

MCCC Book Club: The Art Thief

C-124 MCCC Library

Wednesday, March 18th at 12:30pm-1:30pm

Join the MCCC Book Club in a discussion on The Art Thief by Michael Finkel.

 

Art Theft and Cultural Repatriation

Bedford Branch Library

Wednesday. March 18th at 6p.m.

This program invites the public to learn and discuss art theft and cultural repatriation and restitution, with a presentation on definitions, examples, and complexities of such subjects. Onn Brown is an Archivist, Art Historian, Independent Researcher, and Library Advocate. They have a BA in Art History with a Concentration in Art Museum Practices from the University of Toledo, and MLIS with a Graduate Certificate in Archival Administration from Wayne State University. Since their undergraduate studies, Brown has been deeply interested in the discussion of art theft and cultural repatriation and restitution, researching topics such as the Benin Bronzes.

 

Art in the _______ Period

C-218 MCCC

Thursday, March 19th at 12:30p.m.-1:30p.m.

A lecture on art in the _______ period by Professor Carrie Nartker, Professor of English.

 

I Want to Work in a Museum!

C-218 MCCC

Thursday March 19th at 2p.m.-3p.m.

Dr. Ken Mohney has heard dozens of students say this over the years. But what does a museum really do, and what are the odds you might end up working in one? This talk explores the various roles of museums and some of the things that people do that work there.

 

Family Movie Night

Bedford Branch Library

Friday March 20th at 6:00pm- 8:00pm

Family movie night for the entire family. Feel free to wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuff animal, pillow and blanket. This month will feature From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

 

Escape the Museum

Bedford Branch Library

Saturday March 21st at 9am-4pm time slots available

Would you make a good art thief? Find out if you can escape the museum without getting caught! This escape room accommodates up to eight people per session. If your group is not a full eight people, others may register to join you. For children (ages eight and up) and adults. Please note children may need an adult to help them as some clues may be more difficult than others, so groups of mixed ages work best. You must register for the specific time slot that you want to attend. Please be on time for your registered time slot. Register at Mymcls.com

 

Wildlife Refuge Tour: Art in the Outdoors

International Wildlife Refuge 5437 West Jefferson Ave Trenton, MI 48183

Sunday, March 22 at 2pm

Visit the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and sketch nature on a tour.

 

Carleton Branch North County Book Club

Carleton Branch Library

Monday, March 23rd at 7p.m.

Book discussion of The Art Thief.  

 

Art: Thrift Store Edition

Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library

Tuesday, March 24th at 5p.m-6p.m.

Join us for this exciting Altered Art program, where we will transform thrift store paintings by adding creative touches and personal flair.

An Evening with the Author: Michael Finkel

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

7:00 PM

La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater

The main event will include a presentation, Q & A, and book signing. This event is free and open to the public. 

 

Knife at the Museum

Monroe County Museum West Entrance

Saturday, March 28th at 7-9p.m.

A Knife at the Museum is an interactive museum mystery experience where you'll play a part in solving the great museum heist of 1947! Register for this free event on the Monroe County Museum System Facebook page and arrive promptly at the appointed time at the west entrance of the Monroe County Museum. Registration closes at 8:00 PM on Friday, March 27. This event is suitable for ages twelve and up. Light refreshments provided.

 

One Book, One Community Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament

Bedford Branch Library

Sunday, March 29th at 1pm-3pm

Teams compete to see who can finish a puzzle first. Every team is given the same 500 piece puzzle. Each team can be up to four people. Please register only the team captain and then put the names of team members in the notes. If you don’t have a team and are looking for one, instead of registering please email Jennifer.saul@monroe.lib.mi.us and you will be matched up with other puzzle enthusiasts if available. Please register at mymcls.com.

 

STORYTIME EVENTS

Children’s Storytime featuring Ish by Peter Reynolds

Register at mymcls.com

Storytime at Summerfield – Petersburg Branch on Monday, March 9th at 10a.m.-11a.m.

Lil' Bookworm Storytime at Rasey Luna Pier Branch on Monday, March 9th at 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Preschool Storytime from A – Z at Ellis Library & Reference Center Tuesday March 10th at 11a.m.-12p.m.

Preschool Storytime at Bedford Branch on Wednesday, March 11th at 10a.m.-11a.m.

Lil' Bookworm Storytime at Erie Branch on Wednesday, March 11th at 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Storytime for preschool & toddlers at Frenchtown Branch on Wednesday March 11th at 10:30a.m.-11:30a.m.

Preschool Storytime at Bedford Branch on Thursday, March 12th at 10a.m.-11a.m.

Storytime at Maybee Branch on Thursday March 12th at 10a.m.-11a.m.

Storytime for Under Fives Winter Session at Ida Branch on Thursday March 12th at 10a.m.-11a.m.

Storytime for preschool & toddlers at Vivan Branch on Friday March 13th at 10a.m.-11a.m.

 

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSIONS OUTSIDE OF MARCH

All of the following book clubs are discussing The Art Thief by Michael Finkel.

Erie Branch Book Club

Erie Branch Library

Monday, January 12th at 3p.m.

 

Bedford Branch P.M. Book Club

Bedford Branch Library

Wednesday, January 14th at 1p.m.

 

Petersburg Branch Book Club

Petersburg Branch Library

Wednesday, January 14th at 4p.m.

 

Petersburg Branch Novels at Night Book Club

Petersburg Branch Library

Wednesday, January 14th 6p.m.

 

Bedford Branch Girls Night Out Book Club

Bedford Branch Library

Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30p.m.

 

Bedford A.M. Book Club

Bedford Branch Library

Thursday, February 5th at 10a.m.

 

Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library Book Club

Frenchtown-Dixie Branch Library

Tuesday, February 17th at 6p.m.

 

Rasey Memorial Branch Library Book Club

Rasey Luna Pier Branch Library

Tuesday, February 17th at 6:30p.m.

 

Maybee Branch Library Book Club

Maybee Branch Library

Monday, February 23rd at 7p.m.

 

Vivian Branch Book Club

Vivian Branch Library

Monday, April 27th at 1p.m.

 

Newport Nonfiction Book Club

Newport Branch Library

Tuesday, April 28th at 4p.m.

 

Bedford Books on Tap Book Club

Charlie Mops, 8505 Secor Rd, Lambertville, MI 48144

Tuesday, May 5th at 6p.m.

 

An Evening with the Author: Michael Finkel

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

7:00 PM

La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater

The main event will include a presentation, Q & A, and book signing. This event is free and open to the public.