Children, teens and adults can take part in free programs at the Turlock Library this December, beginning with the month-long Find the Grinch program. Throughout the month, children are invited to find the Grinch hiding in the library’s children’s room for a chance to win a small prize. Find the Grinch is sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.
The Turlock Teens Talk Books program will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday. This program provides teens with the opportunity to discuss their favorite books and find new book recommendations.
The next STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works program will focus on snow and be held 4 p.m. Tuesday. Children can enjoy a reading of “Toys Meet Snow” by Emily Jenkins, about a trio of toys who encounter snow for the first time. Following the story, participants will make pretend snow out of baking soda and shaving cream. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and above.
The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 to discuss “The Soldier’s Wife” by Margaret Leroy. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at 209-664-8100.
Free Computer Basics classes will be offered on Thursdays, Dec. 7 and 14 at 3 p.m. Participants will be introduced to the parts of a computer, receive a tour of Windows, and learn simple tasks. Advance registration is required; call 209-664-8100 to sign up.
The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8 to discuss “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. 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.
Ages 16 and up are invited to take part in a stained glass art program at 6 p.m. Dec. 11. This program will feature easy to learn techniques to stain glass. Crafters will have an opportunity to create stained glass ornaments.
A dream catchers craft for children will be offered at 4 p.m. Dec. 12. Children will make their own unique dream catchers using upcycled materials. All ages are welcome to participate. This craft is sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are invited to enjoy “Wee Move and Play” at 10 a.m. Dec. 13. This program features an hour of free play, music and movement. Each child must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian at all times.
The Turlock Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The Teen Advisory Board offers teens the opportunity to earn community service credit while sharing their ideas on teen library programs and books. For more information, call 209-664-8100.
A snowflakes craft will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 19. Children will make and decorate snowflakes using a variety of provided materials. This craft is sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.
From Dec. 22 through Jan. 6 the library will host a scavenger hunt for children. Participants are invited to search the children’s room for clues to a secret message. Children who successfully decode the message will win a small prize. This scavenger hunt promotes vocabulary and literacy skills.
Children are invited to build and play with LEGOs and DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. Dec. 26. Ages 4 and under are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental supervision.
“Escape: a Narnia Adventure” will take place at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 28. This themed “escape room” experience is based on the popular book series by C.S. Lewis. Ages 10 and older are invited to enter the world of Narnia, where they will face challenges in the form of riddles and puzzles, find the White Witch’s wand, and “escape.” Due to the nature of the program, advance registration is required. Call 209-664-8100 to sign up.
The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. For more information on Turlock Library programs, call 209-664-8100.
Denair
This December, the Denair Library will offer free crafts for children, as well as a Hearthstone Fireside Gathering for community members of all ages.
Children can use their imaginations to craft unique magnets at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Crafters will use glass marbles and assorted craft supplies to make their own decorative magnets.
The library will host a Hearthstone Fireside Gathering from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 16. All ages are invited to discuss the digital card game and play with fellow Hearthstone enthusiasts in the area.
A snowman spoon craft will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Children will have an opportunity to make snowmen spoons.
The library will hold a New Year’s Eve themed craft at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 26. Children can prepare for the New Year by creating crazy party hats.
The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Road in Denair. For more information about programs at the Denair Library, call (209) 634-1283.
Keyes
The Keyes Library will offer two craft events and a couponing class this December.
The Modesto Money Mavens will lead a free class at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8 on the best way to use coupons, sales ads and apps to help save money for the upcoming holidays.
Kids can get creative and decorate festive holiday sweater cut-outs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Participants who wear their favorite holiday sweater will be entered into a raffle. Winners will be announced Dec. 15.
Adults can create and personalize sled ornaments to take home and decorate their trees from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Children welcome to attend, however, they must have direct supervision from a parent or adult guardian.
The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information about programs at the Keyes Library, call (209) 664-8006.
