The best things about springtime — kites, bicycling and butterflies — will all be the focus of local Stanislaus County Library programs in April.
Turlock
The next meeting of Turlock Teens Talk Books will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday. Join fellow bibliophiles for monthly book discussions on their newest literary finds.
Kites will be the topic of the next STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works program at 4 p.m. April 5. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older; children 4 and under must be supervised by a parent. The program will focus on the history of kites, the use of kites in other cultures, and the science of how kites fly. Kids will also be able to make a kite to take home.
The Turlock Library book club will be discussing "Wicked: Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," by Gregory Maguire at its next meeting set for 10:30 a.m. April 6. When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil? This 1995 novel is currently enjoying a second life as a big-budget Broadway musical. 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 Friends of the Turlock Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 6. All are welcome to attend the monthly board meeting.
The Great Valley Museum will give a presentation on mammals at 4 p.m. April 12. Participants can learn about this diverse group of animals through a series of hands-on learning stations that include investigating mammal anatomy such as skin, bones, skulls and mounts. All ages welcome, however, the program is designed for children in kindergarten and older. Children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.
The library will offer sensory play at 10 a.m. April 13. The sensory play program allows for self-guided exploration for children, stimulates brain-development and helps develop one's sense of touch. Learning about different textures improves science learning and discovery, and promotes bonding time between parents and their children. Children must be directly supervised by an adult. This program is designed for children ages 6 and younger.
The Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. April 13 at the library. All teens are invited to give feedback about the programs and books they would like to see at the library. Participants can share their thoughts and earn community service credit.
Celebrate Earth Day by upcycling biodegradable egg cartons into a seed-starter planter at 4 p.m. April 19. Children will learn the importance of recycling and keeping the planet healthy. All ages welcome; children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.
The Turlock Library will encourage residents to get active through two upcoming presentations. Elizabeth Claes of Bike Turlock will discuss how families can use their bicycles to commute to work, school and more at 6:30 p.m. April 19. Katie Colesberry from Cycle Masters Bike Shop will share tips on basic bicycle maintenance and repair at 6 p.m. April 27. Registration is required; call the Turlock Library at (209) 664-8100 to reserve a spot. These presentations are made possible through a Book to Action grant.
The Kids' Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. April 20. Recommended for kids in grades 4th through 8th, participants are invited to come talk about their most recent favorite reads.
Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library at 4 p.m. April 26. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct adult supervision.
In celebration of Day of the Child/Day of the Book, the library will hold a special bilingual story time program and STEAM activity at 2 p.m. April 30. Each child will receive a commemorative activity book and a free new book provided through the Stanislaus READS! initiative.
The Turlock Library is located at 550 N. Minaret Ave. For more information, call (209) 664-8100.
Denair
The Friends of the Denair Library will host a used book sale from noon to 6 p.m. April 13. Shoppers can choose from a wide variety of books at bargain prices.
Children of all ages can enjoy a Butterfly Day at 3 p.m. April 21. Participants will make paper bag butterfly puppets and lollipop butterflies. This craft is sponsored by the Friends of the Denair Library.
The library will celebrate Día de los niños/ Día de los libros, or Day of the Child/Day of the Book at 3 p.m. April 28. Children can enjoy a special bilingual story time and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activity. Participants will explore the scientific process by tasting candies and snacks from around the world. Each child will receive a commemorative activity book and a free new book provided through the Stanislaus READS! initiative.
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
Magician Shawn Durham will perform a high-energy show at 3:30 p.m. April 4 at the Keyes Library. This event is open to all ages, and is ideally suited to preschool age children and older.
The library will hold a Coloring Day at 1 p.m. April 13. Relax after school by coloring with friends and family. Coloring pages, markers, crayons and colored pencils will be provided.
Celebrate the Day of the Child/Day of the Book at the Keyes Library with musical crafts at 1 p.m. April 20. Participants can join the library for a reading of "The Leopard's Drum: An Asante Tale from West Africa" by Jessica Souhami. Following the story, each crafter can make drums and other musical instruments. Each child will receive a free new book courtesy of Stanislaus READS! and a commemorative activity book.
Library guests can make unique creations using fusible Perler beads at 3 p.m. April 21.
Kids are invited to make marble magnets at 1 p.m. April 27.
