Celebrations of Children’s Book Week and Litterbug Story Times will highlight May events at local branches of the Stanislaus County Library, along with monthly book club meetings. The end of May will see the library launch its Summer Reading Program, in an effort to motivate readers of all ages to pick up their favorite reads over the hot summer months.
Turlock
A reading of “Plants Can’t Sit Still” by Rebecca Hirsch will start out the next STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works session at 4 p.m. May 2 at the Turlock Library. After the story, kids will have the opportunity to create seed-starter planters using biodegradable egg cartons. Children will learn how seeds are spread in the wild, as well as the importance of recycling and keeping our planet healthy. All ages welcome, however, children 4 and under must have direct supervision from a parent or adult guardian.
The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. May 3 and discuss “The Honk and Holler Opening Soon” by Billie Letts. Caney Paxton wanted his cafe to have the biggest and brightest sign in Eastern Oklahoma-the "opening soon" part was supposed to be just a removable, painted notice. But a fateful misunderstanding gave Vietnam vet Caney the flashiest joke in the entire state. Twelve years later, the once-busy highway is dead and the sign is as worn as Caney, who hasn't ventured outside the diner since it opened. Then one blustery December day, a 30ish Crow woman blows in with a three-legged dog in her arms and a long-buried secret on her mind. Hiring on as a carhop, Vena Takes Horse is soon shaking up business, the locals, and Caney's heart...as she teaches them all about generosity of spirit, love, and the possibility of promise-just like the sign says.
A limited number of copies of “The Honk and Holler Opening Soon” are available at the Turlock Library. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at (209) 664-8100.
Book clubs allow community members to expand their knowledge of books and other reading material through meaningful discussions with others.
Community members are invited to attend the Friends of the Turlock Public Library monthly board meeting at 6:30 p.m. May 3.
The Turlock Teens Talk Books club will meet at 3 p.m. May 6, where fellow bibliophiles discuss their favorite reads.
Teens are encouraged to bring in a white shirt and learn tie-dying techniques at the library from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 8. The finished product will be a unique and wearable piece of art. Participants must bring in their own article of clothing to dye, but all other materials will be provided. This event is for ages 13 and up.
The Turlock Library is holding a Spy Party at 4 p.m. May 9. This event aims to celebrate Children’s Book Week with a party featuring the mystery and spy genre. All ages are welcome, however, children under 4 must have adult supervision.
The Turlock Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. May 10. Teens are invited to share their ideas and earn community service credit. For more information, call (209) 664-8100.
A special Litterbug Story Time with the Environmental Resources of Stanislaus County will be held at 11 a.m. May 11. The event will include stories, dance, songs and talk about ways to avoid being a litterbug.
Caregiver College: When Energy and Exhaustion Collide will offer practical information to help you become a better caregiver. The meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. May 11 and lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required, call 209-578-6300 for more information.
The Mystery Lovers Book Club will next meet at 10:30 a.m. May 12. This month's selection is “Sworn to Silence” by Linda Castillo.
A killer is preying on sacred ground....
In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and "English" residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from its brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.
Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as Chief of Police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She's certain she's come to terms with her past--until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again. But to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past--and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.
A limited number of copies of “Sworn to Silence” are available at the Turlock Library. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at 209-664-8100.
Celebrate 10 years of Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie books at the Turlock Library at 4 p.m. May 16 with a story, craft and other activities. All ages welcome, however, children 4 and younger must have direct supervision from a parent or adult guardian.
Teens will have the opportunity to write, share and discuss their creative fan fiction with each other in a positive environment at the Teen Fan Fiction Club meeting at 4 p.m. May 22. Recommended for ages 12-18.
Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library using the library’s LEGO and DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. May 23. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
The library will kick off its Summer Reading program from 10 a.m. to noon May 27 with activities on the lawn outside the building.
Family Game Day will be held at the library starting at 4 p.m. May 30. Playing board games helps teach socialization, sharing, taking turns and hand-eye coordination.
The Turlock Library is located at 550 N. Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information, call 664-8100.
Keyes
The Keyes Library will celebrate Día de los niños/ Día de los libros (Day of the Child/ Day of the Book) at 1 p.m. May 3. The library will offer crafts, activities, snacks and a special bilingual Story Time. This year's theme is "One World, Many Rhythms." Each child will receive a free activity book.
Butterflies are the theme for a kids craft at 3 p.m. May 4 and an origami craft for teens and adults from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5.
A Litterbug Story Time and Craft will be held at 1 p.m. May 10. Stories, dancing and a craft about recycling and litter will be featured during this program is designed for preschool age children and up.
The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information, call 664-8006.
Denair
Teens and adults are invited for an afternoon of coloring at the Denair Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 6. All supplies will be provided.
The Denair Library will hold its next STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Challenge on electricity at 3:30 p.m. May 11. Participants will make squishy circuits. Kids will explore electricity using playdough and LED bulbs.
The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd. in Denair. For more information about programs at the Denair Library, call 634-1283.
