Summer reading is in full swing at Stanislaus County Libraries and this month children will learn about real-life heroes during special book readings and craft projects. Other activities include ocean and marshmallow crafts, along with a monthly LEGO building time.
TURLOCK
The Turlock Library will celebrate shark week with an 'ocean in a bottle' craft at 4 p.m. July 7. Recycled bottles will be used to create miniature 'oceans' that crafters may take home.
In celebration of this year’s Summer Reading theme "Every Hero has a Story," children and their families are invited to learn about the many types of real-life heroes. After a reading of "Hero Cat" by Eileen Spinelli at 4 p.m. July 14, children can make a cat related craft. On July 21 at 4 p.m., participants will learn about the life of Rachel Carson, John Muir and other environmental heroes, followed by a bird feeder craft.
Children, tweens and teens will have two opportunities to craft with marshmallows this month. Participants can learn basic engineering concepts by building towers out of marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti at 4 p.m. July 15. On July 29 at 4 p.m., crafters can make marshmallow shooters out of recycled plastic cups and balloons.
The “As Seen on Pinterest” craft program will be held at 7 p.m. July 15. This month’s craft will focus on the art of glass etching. This program is recommended for ages 14 and older. Registration is required; call the Turlock Library at 664-8100 to register.
Tweens and teens can use their creativity to make a number of crafts out of duct tape at 4 p.m. July 22. The library will provide a selection of colorful duct tape for participants to use in creating their crafts.
All ages may build LEGO displays for the library at 4 p.m. July 28. LEGO play helps children learn basic mathematic and engineering skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental supervision.
These programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library. The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information, contact the Turlock Library at 664-8100.
DENAIR
The Denair Library will offer a room decoration craft time for adults at 3 p.m. July 9. Participants will design and create decorative light switch covers using provided craft supplies. Crafters can choose to paint or decoupage their light switch covers. Individuals are welcome to bring their own images to use, however, the library will also supply images for the craft.
The “Superhero Gadgets” program will take place at 3 p.m. July 14. Tweens and teens can visit the library to make catapults and pom shooters.
Children can build their own skyscrapers out of marshmallows at 3 p.m. July 15. This program will encourage participants to engage their imaginations while building basic engineering skills.
Teens and tweens can visit the library for a button and magnet craft at 3 p.m. July 21. Crafters can make decorative glass marble magnets or use the library’s button maker to design a unique pin. Finished products may be taken home.
In keeping with the Summer Reading theme of “Every Hero Has a Story,” children visiting the Denair Library will have the opportunity to make a craft that celebrates an everyday hero at 3 p.m. July 22. Children will use craft materials to make their own firefighter. This craft is sponsored by the Friends of the Denair Library.
Teens can learn how to incorporate science into a craft at 3 p.m. July 28. Participants will make a paper box that lights up from the inside by creating a simple circuit with copper tape.
Children can learn how to organize their sticker collections by creating their own sticker books at 3 p.m. July 29. Stickers placed in this sticker book will be easy to remove and use. This craft is sponsored by the Friends of the Denair Library.
The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd. in Denair. For more information, contact the Denair Library at 634-1283.
KEYES
Celebrate shark week at the Keyes Library with shark crafts at 10 a.m. July 6. Children can make various shark themed crafts including a clothespin shark toy. All ages can also take a shark trivia quiz.
Superhero Academy will be held at 2:30 p.m. July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Children can come by the library to listen to a story, make superhero wrist cuffs and test their superhero skills. Advanced registration is required for this program.
Children can stop by the library at 1 p.m. July to make superhero crafts like rockets, book marks and paper dolls.
Other craft times at the Keyes Library include a lollipop octopus craft at 1 p.m. July 15; animal themed crafts including fox paper bag puppets, bear masks and animals out of foam and popsicle sticks at 1 p.m. July 22; and tie dye at the library at 1 p.m. July 29. For the tie dye craft, participants need to bring a t-shirt, hat or tote bag to dye. The library will supply the dye and other equipment needed for the craft. Parent supervision is required.
