Locals can get a jumpstart on spring planting with advice from a UC Cooperative Extension master gardener during a session at the Turlock Library. The gardening class is among the multiple classes offered for all ages at library during the month of February.

February library events will start today with an AARP Tax-Aide session from noon to 3 p.m. Residents can receive free tax preparation assistance from IRS-trained AARP volunteers during the library event. Walk-ins are welcome, as there is not an option for advance registration. The tax assistance will also be held from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21.

The Friends of the Turlock Library will hold their monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. today. Visitors are welcome.

Adults can learn a new sewing technique at 1 p.m. Friday at Turlock Maker Space at the library where the project will be peek-a-book heart bookmarks. The activity is for ages 18 and older. Registration is required.

The Central Valley Game Lovers will host a day of board gaming from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Participants can try a new game or bring their own. Most games are recommended for ages 10 and up, but there will be games for younger players, too.

The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Turlock Library. The club will discuss “Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor” by Stephanie Barron. On a visit to the estate of her friend, the young and beautiful Isobel Payne, Countess of Scargrave, Jane bears witness to a tragedy. Isobel's husband—a gentleman of mature years—is felled by a mysterious and agonizing ailment. The Earl's death seems a cruel blow of fate for the newly married Isobel. Yet the bereaved widow soon finds that it's only the beginning of her misfortune . . . as she receives a sinister missive accusing her and the Earl's nephew of adultery—and murder. 

Kids ages 9 and older can build LEGO creations using the library’s LEGO blocks and bring them to life with stop-motion film during an activity at 4 p.m. Feb. 13.

The Turlock Teen Anime Club will be held at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14. This month the club will watch “Cardcaptor Sakura” (TV-Y7) and then make a craft.

A Turlock STEAM activity themed “Sweet Molecules” will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 20. The participants will recreate DNA structures using candy. This activity is geared for children under 8; children under 4 must have direct adult supervision.

Also at 4 p.m. Feb. 20, kids ages 9 and older can learn more about DNA with a strawberry DNA extraction activity at the Turlock Maker Space.

The Turlock Chess Club will meet at 5 p.m. Feb. 21. Whether an amateur, a master, or somewhere between, locals are invited to bring their own board to meet and play against others for practice or friendly competition. 

A spring vegetable gardening class hosted by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 21. Attendees can learn tips from the Master Gardeners on growing tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers, and more! Learn how to grow plants in the ground or in containers.

Kids can color hedgehog cards while practicing fine motor skills by threading yarn to make “quills” at an activity held at the library at 4 p.m. Feb. 27. This activity is geared for children under 8; children under 4 must have direct supervision from parents or adult guardians. 

Kids ages 9 years and older can learn how to make a no-sew fleece pillow at 4 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Turlock Maker Space.

The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.