Find your adventure on the east side of Detroit this summer by visiting one of our neighborhood branch libraries. Attend a program, learn something new, listen to stories, play games, get crafty, make new friends…and READ! There are 7 branch libraries located on the east side of the city. Each branch has different activities to celebrate Summer Reading such as story times, crafts, magic shows, and nature programs. Be sure to check out what’s happening at not only your local branch—but those branches in the neighboring communities to take part in all the fun activities the library offers!
The theme for Summer Reading this year is “Adventure” and there are many ways you can have an adventure—right in your own backyard.
Explore the East Side
12800 Harper
The Chandler Park Branch is near Chandler Park—the city’s fourth largest park with 200 acres that contain sports fields, a golf course, a skate park and even an aquatic facility with a wave pool, splash land and water slides.
13651 E. McNichols
The Heilmann Recreation Center is near the Franklin Branch and offers families fun programming such as volleyball, basketball, dance and fitness classes, tennis courts and a pool.
550 Chene
If you’re at the Elmwood Park Branch, you’re near the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle. Belle Isle is a 982-acre island park in the middle of the Detroit River. The Island is home to the Aquarium, Conservatory, Nature Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum and more. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating and golfing.
12350 E. Outer Dr.
Just east on Warren from the Jefferson Branch is Balduck Park. The 56-acre park includes trails through a natural forest, as well as sports fields, basketball courts, playground, dog park and a sledding hill.
13330 Conant
The Knapp Branch is conveniently located right next to Jayne-Lasky Park, a 65-acre park with sports fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, splash pad, and even a putt-putt course, as well as the Lasky Recreation Center.
1221 E. 7 Mile Rd.
The Farwell Recreation Center near the Lincoln Branch offers fun activities for kids, teens, adults, seniors and families, from arts and crafts, dance classes in the studio, to fitness and sports in the gym.
7140 E. 7 Mile Rd.
The SAY Detroit Play Center located in the Osborn community near the Wilder Branch is an education center that offers both academics and fun activities. The facilities include spaces for sports such as basketball and football, as well as art and dance, recording studio and robotics.