Families attending events at branches of the Stanislaus County Library in May can learn more about science, Angry Birds and My Little Pony. Along with these educational and fun activities, both the Turlock and Keyes libraries have Summer Reading Challenge events planned for the end of the month to get local families excited about reaching their literary goals.

Turlock

The next STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works program will include a story and activity relating to building.  Children can come to a reading of "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty, then put their engineering skills to the test building structures out of marshmallows and spaghetti at 4 p.m. May 3.  STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older. Children 4 and under must be supervised by a parent.

The next Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. May 4. May's selection is "The Moviegoer" by Walker Percy.  The Moviegoer is Binx Bolling, a young New Orleans stockbroker who surveys the world with the detached gaze of a Bourbon Street dandy even as he yearns for a spiritual redemption he cannot bring himself to believe in. On the eve of his 30th birthday, he occupies himself dallying with his secretaries and going to movies, which provide him with the "treasurable moments" absent from his real life. But one fateful Mardi Gras, Binx embarks on a hare-brained quest that outrages his family, endangers his fragile cousin Kate, and sends him reeling through the chaos of New Orleans' French Quarter. Wry and wrenching, rich in irony and romance, "The Moviegoer" is a genuine American classic. There are a limited number of book copies available at the Turlock Library.  For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at 664-8100. 

A Litterbug Story time will be held at 11 a.m. May 5. Children can join in for a lively program about litter, recycling and storm water with a special guest from Environmental Resources.  This fun, interactive program will empower young children to learn how they can help keep the planet green and oceans clean.

Turlock Teens Talk Books will next meet at 3 p.m. May 7. Teens are invited to join fellow bibliophiles for monthly book discussions at the Turlock Library. 

Children can make hot air balloons out of paper and cardboard rolls that spin in the wind at 4 p.m. May 10.  Participants will learn the basics of centrifugal force through spinning movement.  All ages welcome; children 4 and under must be supervised by an adult.

The Turlock Library will celebrate the upcoming movie release of "Angry Birds" with a variety of themed activities at 4 p.m. May 17. Children can build and knock down towers made out of cardboard boxes, as well as make a catapult to take home. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Turlock Library.

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library at 4 p.m. May 24. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct adult supervision.

The second annual Summer Reading Kick-off event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon May 28 on the grass outside the library.  In keeping with the library's "Read for the Win" theme, there will be field events for the kids, a craft station and light snacks while they last. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Turlock Library.

Children can make picture frames using craft sticks and sport stickers to showcase their favorite photo or art work at 4 p.m. May 31, sponsored by Friends of the Turlock Library.

The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. For more information, call 664-8100.

Denair

Families can celebrate Star Wars Day at the Denair Library by painting the Death Star at 3 p.m. May 4. Tell a staff member "May the fourth be with you" to receive a small prize. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Denair Library.

Children can visit the library at 3 p.m. May 5 to paint a butterfly sculpture. The finished sculpture makes a great Mother's Day gift.

The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd. For more information, call 634-1283.

Keyes

Children can come by the Keyes Library at 1 p.m. May 4 and make a picture frame to give to their mother or grandmother as a Mother's Day gift. Supplies are limited to the first 25 crafters. This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Keyes Library.

During the next STEAM ((Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works program at the Keyes Library at 3 p.m. May 10, children can assemble electrical circuits to power a voice changer and other fun toys. This program is for ages 10-14 and was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Children can come to the library at 1 p.m. May 11 for a My Little Pony Party. Participants can make My Little Pony notebooks and a character gift bag. Individuals can also play pin the symbol on the pony. Snacks and refreshments will be served while supplies last. 

Magnets and electricity are the theme of a library event set for 3 p.m. May 17. Participants can conduct experiments with magnets and learn about magnetic levitation. They can also build electric circuits to create an electromagnetic field. This program is for children ages 10-14. 

Kids and adults can get a jump on the Summer Reading Challenge by making jumping frogs at the library at 3 p.m. May 24. While at the library, sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win fun prizes just for reading.

The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. For more information, call 664-8006.