Families seeking educational and fun activities over the summer, should look no further than the library as local branches have a bevy of interactive programs scheduled for the month of July.
Turlock
Community members can enjoy a number of free programs at the Turlock Library this July.
Children and their families can enjoy the “Didgeridoo Down Under” show at 3 p.m. Wednesday. This Australia-themed show combines music, art, puppetry, comedy and science to promote tolerance and respect for all people and cultures. Children will learn about the wonders of the land “Down Under!” This program is best for ages four and up, however all ages are welcome to enjoy this interactive and educational show.
All ages are invited to take the Building Challenge at 4 p.m. July 11. Participants can build their own unique creations using a variety of materials, including Keva planks, Magna Tiles and cardboard.
The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. July 12 to discuss “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker. Between 1854 and 1929, so-called orphan trains ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest, carrying thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind and loving family, or would they face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude?
As a young Irish immigrant, Vivian Daly was one such child, sent by rail from New York City to an uncertain future a world away. Returning east later in life, Vivian leads a quiet, peaceful existence on the coast of Maine, the memories of her upbringing rendered a hazy blur. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past.
Seventeen-year-old Molly Ayer knows that a community-service position helping an elderly widow clean out her attic is the only thing keeping her out of juvenile hall. But as Molly helps Vivian sort through her keepsakes and possessions, she discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they appear. A Penobscot Indian who has spent her youth in and out of foster homes, Molly is also an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past.
Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, “Orphan Train” is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances and unexpected friendship.
A limited number of copies are available at the Turlock Library. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at (209) 664-8100.
The library will host a button making craft at 4 p.m. July 12. Crafters can make 1.75 inch buttons by choosing from a variety of images provided by the library. Participants are welcome to bring and use their own printed or drawn images. This craft is designed for ages 8 to 12.
Community members are invited to a free “Caregiver College” program from noon to 1 p.m. July 13. This program will offer practical information designed to help participants become better caregivers. This month's topic is "Senior Safety 101." A free lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required; please call 209-578-6300 for more information.
The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. July 14 to discuss “A is for Alibi” Sue Grafton. A limited number of copies are available for checkout from the library. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at 209-664-8100.
The library will celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday with a party at 4 p.m. July 18. All ages can celebrate Harry’s 28th birthday with crafts, games and more.
A terrarium plants program will be held at 4 p.m. July 19. Children will create their own plant terrariums using sealed jars.
Adults are invited to unleash their inner artist at a paint party at 1 p.m. July 22. No previous art experience is necessary to participate in this program. Participants will be offered step-by-step instructions on creating painted landscapes, gaining hands-on experience as they learn new painting techniques.
Children are invited to build and play with LEGOs and DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. July 25. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental supervision.
Ages 8 and up can enjoy a space ship program at 4 p.m. July 26. Children will build a variety of flying space ships out of paper products.
Hanna and Dieter Renning will present two different perspectives of growing up during the tumultuous World War II era at 6:30 p.m. July 26. Dieter will recount his personal experiences living in Europe during WWII, while Hanna shares her own stories of growing up during this time.
The Building Challenge, Harry Potter party, terrarium plants program, and space ships craft are sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library. The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information on Turlock Library programs, call 209-664-8100.
Keyes
The Keyes Library will host a number of craft events in July, along with a magic show.
Children of all ages can make a rainbow fish stick puppet all day long at the library on July 6.
Families can join Magician Brian Scott for an interactive program that combines magic, comedy and fun with a love of reading at noon on July 12.
Teens and adults can create their own box knot (boondoggle) key chains out of paracord to take home all day long on July 13.
Kids can make toy airplanes using popsicle sticks and clothespins on July 20, and make their own personalized sill monsters with googly eyes on July 27.
The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information, call 209-664-8006.
Denair
All ages are invited to take part in free crafts, activities, and an interactive show at the Denair Library this July.
Children and their families can enjoy the “Didgeridoo Down Under” show at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. This Australia-themed show combines music, art, puppetry, comedy and science to promote tolerance and respect for all people and cultures. This program is best for ages four and up, however all ages are welcome to enjoy this interactive and educational show.
The library will host two teen crafts this month, beginning with a duct tape craft at 12:30 p.m. July 7. Crafters can use a variety of colorful duct tape to make their own, personalized wallets. On July 21 at 12:30 p.m., teens can design unique pins, ideal for decorating backpacks, lanyards and more.
The library will host “Beat the Heat” weeks July 11 through 14 and July 25 through 28. Customers of all ages are invited to drop in during open hours to get out of the heat and enjoy board games, coloring pages and puzzles. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Denair Library.
Children ages 4 and up are invited to take part in a picture book club at 12:30 p.m. July 19. Following a reading of Peter Reynolds’ “The Dot,” children can create paintings inspired by the book.
The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Road in Denair. For more information about programs at the Denair Library, call (209) 634-1283.
