The Turlock Library will offer a variety of arts and crafts, literacy and family fun events throughout the month of December.

December events at the Turlock Library will begin with a T(w)een Tuesday activity making paper landscapes at 4 p.m. Tuesday. All materials will be provided. This program is designed for ages 9 and up. At the same time, the library will hold a scribble art activity for younger kids. Search scribbles for objects or shapes to create unique art. Participants will use colored pencils to outline and color shapes for a picture that will really stand out. All ages are welcome; children 4 and under must have direct supervision from parents or adult guardians.

The Friends of the Turlock Library group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. All are invited.

Join the Central Valley Game Lovers for a day of board gaming from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Try a new game or bring your own. Most games are recommended for ages 10 and up, but there will also be games for younger players.

Independent readers up to age 12 are invited to practice their reading skills with the special Read to a Dog program at 12 noon Dec. 7 at the Turlock Library. This program is designed to help children gain confidence in their reading skills by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Space is limited and online registration is required.

The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9. The club will discuss “The Cove” by Catherine Coulter this month. Sally Brainerd can't remember what happened the night her father was murdered. Maybe she did it. Or maybe it was her poor, traumatized mother. Either way, the safest place for her is far away from Washington, D.C.. But while her aunt's home in The Cove should be a quiet refuge, Sally can't shake the feeling that there's something not quite right about the postcard-perfect little town. The Mystery Lovers Book Club meets on the second Monday of every month in the Turlock Library Community Room. 

The T(w)een Tuesday event for 4 p.m. Dec. 10 will be making stop-motion LEGO creations in the Maker Space. Participants can build LEGO creations using the library’s LEGO blocks and bring them to life with stop-motion film. This program is designed for ages 9 and older, however, all ages are invited to the library at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 for a LEGO play day. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.

The UCCE Master Gardeners will return to the library at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 to talk about culinary herbs for beginners. What herbs can you easily grow on an apartment porch or in an outdoor garden?  Learn tips on using herbs to make tea and how to harvest them for cooking. Learn about herbs you may not be familiar with, too. Take home seeds to plant to start your own herb garden.

Adults can come to the library at 1 p.m. Dec. 13 to learn how to sew an ornament gift card holder. Materials and sewing machines are provided. This program is designed for ages 18 and up. To register for this activity, call 209-664-8100.

The T(w)een Tuesday activity at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 will be making lip balm.  Materials will be provided. This program is designed for ages 9 and up. At the same time the Turlock STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) program will have an activity on fizzy colors. Using pipettes, children can add food-colored vinegar to baking soda and create a fizzy masterpiece. Dress to make a mess, this activity is geared for ages 8 and under; children under 4 must have direct adult supervision.

The Turlock Chess Club will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 18. Whether you are an amateur, a master, or somewhere between, you are invited to bring your board to meet and play against others for practice or friendly competition. 

The T(w)een Tuesday activity at 4 p.m. Dec. 31 will be a “Tinker Tuesday.” Participants can create stop-motion movies, try the button maker, learn to use the toybox printer and 3D pens, or build something with our Makedo tools and cardboard. This program is designed for ages 9 and up. At the same time, the library will hold a kids’ coloring activity. Younger kids can join for a relaxing time coloring on provided coloring pages and blank paper. Geared for ages 8 and under; children under 4 must have direct supervision from parents or adult guardians.

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. For more information, visit https://www.stanislauslibrary.org/ or call (209) 664-8100.