Community members are invited to enjoy a variety of free programs at the Turlock Library this December, beginning with the month-long Find the Grinch program. Children are invited to find the Grinch hiding in the children’s room of the library and earn a small prize.

Turlock Teens Talk Books will be held at 3 p.m.  Dec. 3. This program provides teens with the opportunity to discuss their favorite books and find new book recommendations.

Parents are invited to an early literacy workshop at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5. The program will feature hands-on literacy activities that will empower parents with skills to help children be more successful in school. Parents will learn how to incorporate three literacy practices into their daily routines. This program is recommended for parents of children up to age 5. Parents will receive a free gently used book and additional materials to take home.

Children can visit the library at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 to make snow. Following a winter tale, participants will have the opportunity to make snow out of baking soda and shaving cream. This craft may get messy, so crafters are encouraged to dress accordingly.

The Turlock Library’s book club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7 to discuss Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s "Frankenstein." For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at (209) 664-8100.

The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m.  Dec. 9. This month’s selection is "Guilt by Association" by Marcia Clark. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at (209) 664-8100.

The library will offer a stone art craft at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. Children will use paint and other materials to decorate stones. All ages are welcome to participate.

Children ages 5 and under can take part in a day of sensory play  at 10 a.m. Dec. 14. The program will feature a number of activities that allow young children to explore different textures. Sensory play stimulates brain development and helps develop one’s sense of touch. Sensory play also promotes bonding time between parents and their children.

The Turlock Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Dec. 14. 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.

The library will offer a seasonal craft for children at 4 p.m. Dec. 20. Children will make snowflakes using painted puzzle pieces and other materials.

Children are invited to build and play with LEGOs at 4 p.m. Dec. 27. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental supervision.

Children and their families can enjoy “Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review!” at 3 p.m. Dec. 28. This free production features such marionettes as the Russian Trepak Dancers, the ice skater Crystal Chandelier and acrobatic penguins.

Find the Grinch, Make Snow, Stone Art, Sensory Play, Puzzle Piece Snowflakes, and LEGO Day are sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.

The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock.

Keyes

The Keyes Library will host two family crafts in December — holiday card making at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. today and polar bear finger puppets at 4 p.m. Dec. 8.

The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes.

Denair

The Denair Library will host a number of free programs this December, beginning with two ninja programs. Children are invited to look for the ninja hiding in the library Dec. 6 through 9. Children can take part in a ninja craft at 3 p.m. Dec. 6. Participants will make ninjas out of provided paper bags.

The library will host a penguin bookmark craft at noon Dec. 21. Children can make penguin bookmarks out of felt.

The library will celebrate New Year’s at noon Dec. 31. Starting at 11:30 a.m. children can enjoy stories and dancing until the clock strikes noon. This program is designed for toddlers and children up to age 7.

Penguin Bookmarks, and the New Year’s at Noon program are sponsored by the Friends of the Denair Library .