Local branches of the Stanislaus County Library will offer a number of programs and events for all ages to keep minds active during the summer months.
Turlock
July events at the Turlock Library will start with the Turlock Teens Talk Books. This group will meet at 3 p.m. July 6. Teens are invited to join fellow bibliophiles for a discussion about their newest read.
Guests can learn how to create an optical illusion by making their own zoetrope using paper, recycled CDs, and other materials at 4 p.m. July 9. A zoetrope is a pre-film animation device that creates an illusion of movement. All ages welcome; children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.
The Turlock Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. July 10. The board provides input on what kinds of programs and activities teens would like the library to provide. During the hour-long meeting, participants brainstorm and discuss ideas for library activities and services for teens in Turlock. Community service hours are earned by attending meetings and helping with projects.
All ages are invited to star in Turlock’s Reader's Theater workshop. As a member of the Reader's Theater troupe, participants will read a story, play or poem from a prepared script. There is no memorization and no costuming, but attendees will learn to use their voice to bring the stories to life. They will put on a show for our family and friends at the final meeting. The first workshop is at 4 p.m. July 10. Additional dates will be at 4 p.m. July 17, 24 and July 31.
All are invited to attend the monthly board meeting of the Friends of the Turlock Public Library at 6:30 p.m. July 10. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month in the library, but this month it was moved because of the Fourth of July holiday.
Adults are invited to attend the Community Connections workshop at noon July 11. Hosted by Community hospice, this month’s workshop is on self-defense.
The Mystery Lovers Book Club will next meet at 10:30 a.m. July 12. This month's selection is “Black Echo” by Michael Connelly. For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch, the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal.
Ever dreamed of working at the world-famous Wonks factory? Now is the time to give it a try when the Turlock library hosts a Willy Wonka themed escape room on July 12 and 13. Follow the clues and solve the puzzles Mr. Wonka has left in his Inventing Room. This escape room is designed for ages 8 and up. Reservations are required and space is limited; call 664-8100 to reserve a place at one of the event times: 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. on July 12 and 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. on July 13.
The culture and history of Australia will come to life in Turlock at 4 p.m. July 16 with the Didgeridoo Down Under show. This high energy Australia-themed show combines music, art, puppetry, comedy and science to promote tolerance and respect for all people and cultures.
How well do you know the Marvel Universe? The Turlock library is hosting a Marvel Movie trivia night from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 22. Answer questions about the movies, the comics, and Stan Lee with family and friends or take on the challenge solo. They will be using the free KAHOOT app. All teams must have a smart phone or tablet capable of downloading the app – or have it preinstalled on the device.
Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library using the library’s LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. July 23. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
The Turlock library will celebrate the wizarding world of Harry Potter from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 30 with classes in magical studies and other fun crafts. Designed for children 5 and older; children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.
The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. For more information on Turlock Library programs, call 209-664-8100.
Denair
Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the Denair Library using the library’s LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks at 10 a.m. every Wednesday in July. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
Children can release their inner dragon at the Denair Library’s craft day at 4 p.m. July 11. Participants can create a pet dragon out cardboard rolls, colorful paper and vibrant tissue paper (for the fire). All supplies will be provided for this craft.
The Chess Club will be meeting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 16. Participants should bring their own chess boards and pieces for a nice, friendly game of chess. Chess puzzles will also be available to solve. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, all are welcome. These will be unranked, fun games of chess. Come by and meet fellow players, and maybe even make a new friend. The other Chess Club meeting is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. July 30.
The high energy Australia-themed show Didgeridoo Down Under combines music, art, puppetry, comedy and science to promote tolerance and respect for all people and cultures. It will be at the Denair library at 4 p.m. July 17.
Learn how to make paper airplanes, or share what you already know with others at the Paper Airplane Day celebration at the Denair Library at 4 p.m. July 18. Materials to create and decorate the airplanes will be available.
The Denair Library invites attendees to make a sea turtle collage by attaching a variety of colored paper and tissue to a paper plate. The craft day starts at 4 p.m. July 25. All necessary materials provided.
The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd. For more information on Denair Library programs, call 209-634-1283.
Keyes
The Keyes Library will hold a LEGO Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday in July. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
The library will host craft events from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Thursday in July. Clothes pin cars will be the craft on July 11, followed by magic wands on July 18 and scribble art on July 25.
Turn an ordinary rock into a work of art by painting and adding your own unique design at the rock painting day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12. Rocks will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own.
The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information about programs at the Keyes Library, call 209-664-8000.
