Local branches of the Stanislaus County Library will offer a number of educational and fun activities throughout the month of October. Halloween themed craft days and a visit from “Python Ron” McGee highlight activities for children, while adults can learn to paint like Monet and take a computer basics class.
Turlock
All ages are invited to take part in free programs at the Turlock Library this month, beginning with two arts and crafts classes. Those 18 and over can have a spooktacular time at the library creating a decorative monster wreath at noon on Monday. On the same day, local artist Juliet Moradian will guide participants in creating one large work of Impressionistic art. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to wear clothes they won’t mind getting paint on. This program for all ages is set for 6 p.m. Monday and will start with an introduction to Monet's masterpieces and then everyone will get to study and work in Monet's world.
The next STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works session, set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, will focus on pumpkins. After a reading of “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin” by Margaret McNamara, participants will discuss estimation and counting, and conclude with a mosaic art project using pumpkin seeds. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older; children 4 and under must be supervised by a parent.
The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4. This month's selection is “Call of the Wild” by Jack London. The book relates the adventures of an unusual dog, part St. Bernard, part Scotch shepherd, forcibly taken to the Klondike gold fields where he eventually becomes the leader of a wolf pack. A limited number of copies are available at the Turlock Library. For more information, please contact the Turlock Library at (209) 664-8100.
A computer basics class will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25. This free class will be a basic introduction to computers, including an explanation of the parts of the computer, a tour of Windows and simple tasks. Advance registration is required; call (209) 664-8100 to sign up.
Community members are invited to attend the Friends of the Turlock Public Library monthly board meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Come by and support your local library!
Turlock Teens Talk Books group will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 7. Teens are welcome to share their newest literary finds with their peers.
A Tech Connect! class will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 9. Come in and learn about the free eResources the library has to offer. Staff will be able to also help download these applications to personal devices. Some of the eResources include:
· Mango Languages– Learn a new language from the comfort of your own home, or on the go.
· Hoopla – Digital access to audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, and graphic novels.
· Cloud Library – Download eBooks and enjoy eBooks on the go.
· RBdigital- Instant digital access to popular magazines.
In honor of Star Wars Reads week, the Turlock Library will hold a Star Wars craft event at 4 p.m. Oct. 10.
All ages welcome, however, children under 4 must have parental supervision.
The Turlock Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Oct. 11. Share your ideas and earn community service credit. For more information, call (209) 664-8100.
The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 13. This month's selection is “Cat on the Edge” by Shirley Rousseau Murphy. It's been quite a week for Joe Grey. First the large, powerful feline discovers that, through some strange, inexplicable phenomenon, he now has the ability to understand human language. Then he discovers he can speak it as well! It's a nightmare for a cat who'd prefer to sleep the day away carefree, but Joe can handle it. That is, until he has the misfortune to witness a murder in the alley behind Jolly's Deli — and worse, to be seen witnessing it. With all of his nine lives suddenly at risk, Joe's got no choice but to get to the bottom of the heinous crime — because his mouse-hunting days are over for good unless he can help bring a killer to justice.
The Turlock Fire and Police departments will make a visit to the Turlock Library at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 for Safety Day. The public safety personnel will discuss safety, answer questions and show off their vehicles. This is an outdoor event.
“Python Ron” McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the library for a creepy crawly good time at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Oct. 21. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages.
Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library using the library’s LEGO and DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. Oct. 24. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
The Stanislaus County Office of Education will host a College Planning seminar at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25, with this month’s topic: Filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the first step in getting financial aid for college.
Those ages 16 and can learn the art of book folding at 6 p.m. Oct. 25. This craft is a fun way to give old books a new life as striking works of art.
A special Halloween Preschool Story Time will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Oct. 26. Kids are encouraged to dress in non-scary costumes and participate in the Friends of the Turlock Library's Trick-or-Treat Parade. A special craft will follow Story Time.
The library will hold a Family Game Day at 4 p.m. Oct. 31. Join us for an hour of classic board game play. Playing board games helps teach socialization, sharing, taking turns, and hand-eye coordination.
The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave., Turlock.
Denair
The Denair Library has two events scheduled for October. “Python Ron” McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the library for a creepy crawly good time at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 19. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages.
All ages are invited to celebrate Halloween at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 26 by creating lollipop ghosts.
The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd., Denair.
Keyes
The Keyes Library will host three special events in October, starting with a visit from “Python Ron” McGee at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4. McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the library for a creepy crawly good time. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages.
Kids can create construction paper jack-o'-lanterns with silly or scary faces anytime from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 5. Adults and teens can create pumpkin decorations from recycled corks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 6.
The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave., Keyes.
