The Turlock Library will offer a variety of events open to the community in the month of July, from book clubs to board games and everything in between.
July events will start off with a T(w)een Tuesday event at 4 p.m. July 1 about watercolor pattern play. Participants will use repeating patterns to create a beautiful piece of art. Materials will be provided. This program is designed for ages 9-18. Also at 4 p.m. on July 1, an ArtLab event on watercolor will be held aimed at children 8 years and younger. Kids can create their own watercolor artwork with a scientific twist. After making their designs, kids will practice finger dexterity by sprinkling salt onto their creations. This will let them see science in action as the salt absorbs the water, and the color with it. Children under 4 years old must have direct adult supervision.
The library will host a Pokémon Day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. July 2. Kids are invited to hang out and trade or battle on their Nintendo Switch, bring their trading cards for a friendly game, hunt for shinies in Pokémon GO, and more. All ages are welcome; however, children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.
Independent readers up to age 12 are invited to practice their reading skills with the special Read to a Dog program at 12 noon July 5 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.
George the Giant will be at the Turlock Library at 4 p.m. July 8. At the age of 12, George saw his first sword swallower and fire eater doing things he was told the human body could not do. So with research and a burning desire to learn, he taught himself how to perform these feats of daring. George is now one of the few sword swallowers in the world. Space is limited. Free tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the program.
The library will host a Board Game Day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 12. Community members are invited to join the Central Valley Game Lovers for a day of board gaming. 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.
The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. July 14. This month, the club will discuss “Her Deadly Game” by Robert Dugoni. Keera Duggan was building a solid reputation as a Seattle prosecutor, until her romantic relationship with a senior colleague ended badly. For the competitive former chess prodigy, returning to her family's failing criminal defense law firm to work for her father is the best shot she has. With the right moves, she hopes to restore the family's reputation, her relationship with her father, and her career. The Mystery Lovers Book Club meets on the second Monday of every month in the Turlock Library Community Room.
A T(w)een Tuesday event on rubber band helicopters will be held at 4 p.m. July 15. Participants can explore helicopter air mobility by building their own rubber band helicopter. This program is designed for ages 9-18. Also at 4 p.m. July 15, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) block party will be held. Using the library’s blue foam blocks, kids can exercise their engineering and critical thinking skills to make creations. This program is aimed at children 8 and younger, but all ages are welcome. Children under 4 must have direct supervision from parents or adult guardians.
Kids can receive free school supplies while learning financial literacy at an event at 2 p.m. July 16. Kids will learn basic financial literacy skills such as the value of money and budgeting, all while getting free back-to-school supplies at the library. Children and teens will receive pretend “play” money at the start of the program to purchase supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and more, while supplies last.
The Turlock Chess Club will meet at 5 p.m. July 16. Whether you are an amateur, a master, or somewhere between, bring your board to meet and play against others for practice or friendly competition.
The library will host a Coloring and Coffee event at 10 a.m. July 18. Adults are invited to gather in the Maker Space for a coffee and coloring event. The library will provide a Keurig and condiments to enjoy, or you are welcome to bring your own. The materials will be provided. This program is for adults 18 and up.
The Cruzin’ Critters will make an appearance at the Turlock Library at 4 p.m. July 22. Cruzin’ Critters, a nonprofit animal education organization, provides homes for injured, displaced, non-releasable, unwanted, and geriatric animals. These animals have become ambassadors to help educate the public about the marvels of the animal kingdom. At this interactive show for all ages, Cruzin’ Critters will bring out 10 to 12 animal ambassadors to help educate about the marvels of the animal kingdom. Free tickets will be handed out 30 minutes before the program.
The library will host a Video Game Day starting at 3 p.m. July 23. Participants can meet in the Maker Space for byte-sized video game fun on the Nintendo Switch. For ages 6 and up.
The UCCE Master Gardeners will return to the Turlock Library at 6 p.m. July 23. Having houseplants indoors enhances mood, lowers anxiety and boosts creativity. Learn tips for bringing houseplants into your life, including identification, care, pests, and troubleshooting.
The library will host an open sew session at 1 p.m. July 25. Community members can bring their projects to the Turlock Maker Space and use one of the library’s sewing machines, or try a project from one of the library’s previous classes. There are a limited number of projects available. Participants must be able to use a sewing machine independently. Bring your own fabric and notions; only sewing machines, a serger, irons, scissors, and scrap fabric will be available. Open Sew is designed for ages 18 and up.
The T(w)een Tuesday activity scheduled for 4 p.m. July 29 will be a “tinker Tuesday.” Kids are invited to come tinker with us in the Turlock Library Maker Space — 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. Kids ages 8 and younger are welcome to the library at 4 p.m. July 29 for a coloring day. 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.
