Celebrate the life, the dream, and the legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. at the Detroit Public Library this January. Find
opportunities to connect and reflect through discussions, storytimes,
screenings, acts of service, and more.
Please note that all Detroit Public Library locations will be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, January 19th, 2026.
I Have a Dream
Chase Branch
Month of January
Start
the year off by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and defining your
own dreams and values by creating an "I Have a Dream" collage at our
Creation Station. For all ages.
MLK Dream Wall
Wilder Branch
January 1 - 31
Stop in during the month of January to write "Your Dream" on the MLK Dream Wall at Wilder Branch! For all ages.
MLK Speaks Poster Contest
Duffield Branch
January 3-17
Between
January 3 – 15, pick up poster paper and rules for the competition.
Then, design your poster and bring it in for judging on January 17. The
1st prize winner will get a $50 gift card and 2nd place will receive a
$25 gift card. For ages 8 – 18.
Martin Luther King: Documentary and Discussion
Elmwood Park Branch
Saturday, January 10, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Enjoy
a screening of the documentary King in the Wilderness (2018) followed
by an engaging discussion reflecting on the African American experience.
MLK Craft & Scavenger Hunt
Sherwood Forest Branch
January 12 – 15, during open hours
Learn
about Martin Luther King Jr. by completing our scavenger hunt or craft,
and stop by the reference desk to receive a prize. For ages 4 and up.
MLK Legacy Kits
Hubbard Branch
January 12-17
In
celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we will have resource
packets for kids (ages 5 – 17) that include activities and educational
materials designed to be shared as a family. While supplies last.
Storytime: Martin’s Big Words
Franklin Branch
Tuesday, January 13, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Join
us to hear the story Martin's Big Words, then make a "stained glass"
with your favorite words, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words.
Martin's Big Words: An MLK Storytime
Parkman Branch
Wednesday, January 14, 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Celebrate
with stories, crafts and more! Storytime will feature the
award-winning book, Martin's Big Words written by Doreen Rappaport, and
illustrated by Bryan Collier. For families and children of all ages.
MLK Story Time
Children’s Library at Main
Thursday, January 15, 11:00 am
Stories and crafts related to Dr. Martin Luther King and his dream for equality for all. All ages welcome.
Martin’s Wonderful Words
Lincoln Branch
Thursday, January 15, 3:00 – 4:30 pm
Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. influenced the Civil Rights Movement through
some of his wonderful, inspirational interviews and speeches. We will
listen to five of his speeches and interviews, then discuss how his
words have made a difference in lives today.
Arts & Crafts
Chaney Branch
Thursday, January 15, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Kids
will create unity wreaths to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. All materials will be provided. For ages 3 and up.
Friday Movie
Children’s Library at Main
Friday, January 16, 3:00 pm
“Our
Friend, Martin” is an animated film that takes kids back in time to
learn about Dr. Martin Luther King’s experience throughout his life.
MLK Day Crafts and Activities
Bowen Branch
Saturday, January 17, during open hours
Stop by and learn about the life of Dr. King through crafts and activities!
MLK Jr Day - Drop In Craft
Edison Branch
Saturday, January 17, during open hours
In celebration of the upcoming holiday, enjoy a craft you can make here or take home! For kids ages 3-12.
MLK Day Story Time and Craft
Wilder Branch
Saturday, January 17, 11:00 am – Noon
Join us for a special story time and craft dedicated to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Scavenger Hunt
Jefferson Branch
January 17, Noon – 5:00 pm
Stop
by the library to answer questions, solve clues, and participate in a
Martin Luther King Jr. themed scavenger hunt. Locate pictures of events
and books based on his life to earn a prize.
Family Storytime
Chaney Branch
Saturday, January 17, 1:00 – 1:30 pm
Join us as we tell amazing stories about the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Jr. Peace Celebration
Redford Branch
Saturday, January 17, 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Celebrate
the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through crafting activities,
refreshments, and adding to our "Dream Board"! All supplies will be
provided.
MLK Day of Service Project
Chandler Park Branch
Saturday, January 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Honor
Dr. King’s legacy through community service as we make no-sew blankets
for Project Linus. Project Linus delivers blankets to kids 0-18 years
old who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise, in need. For ages 8
– 18.
Town Hall Meeting with Dr. King
Duffield Branch
Saturday, January 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join
us for a meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr portrayed by Larry
Castleberry of the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers (DABS).
Many of Dr. King’s speeches are relevant to issues we are facing today.
Let us reflect as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Storytime and Craft
Elmwood Park Branch
Saturday, January 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join
us for a fun afternoon celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. with stories
and crafts - perfect for kids and the young at heart!
Martin Luther King Bingo
Parkman Branch
Saturday, January 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn
fun facts, look at video snippets, and play BINGO! You will also have a
chance to win fun prizes. For teens through adults.
Film Screening: “King in the Wilderness”
Chaney Branch
Saturday, January 17, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
View
the documentary “King in the Wilderness,” which focuses on the last two
years of Martin Luther King’s life, including never-before-seen footage
of interviews with some of those closest to him.
MLK Story Time
Children’s Library at Main
Tuesday, January 20, 5:00 pm
Stories and crafts related to Dr. Martin Luther King and his dream for equality for all. All ages welcome.
DREAM Friendship Bracelet Night
Campbell Branch
Wednesday, January 21, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Celebrate
friendship and community this MLK Day by creating your own colorful
friendship bracelets! All materials are provided.
