October events at the Turlock Library will start with a pumpkin seed themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Works session at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Following a reading of “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin” by Margaret McNamara, participants will discuss estimation and counting and conclude with a mosaic art project using dyed pumpkin seeds.  STEAM Works is designed for children in Kindergarten and older; children 4 and under must be supervised by a parent. 

The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 2. This month's selection is “The Mermaid Chair” by Sue Monk Kidd. Inside the abbey of a Benedictine monastery on tiny Egret Island, just off the coast of South Carolina, resides a beautiful and mysterious chair ornately carved with mermaids and dedicated to a saint who, legend claims, was a mermaid before her conversion. Jessie Sullivan's conventional life has been "molded to the smallest space possible." So when she is called home to cope with her mother's startling and enigmatic act of violence, Jessie finds herself relieved to be apart from her husband, Hugh. Jessie loves Hugh, but on Egret Island--amid the gorgeous marshlands and tidal creeks--she becomes drawn to Brother Thomas, a monk who is mere months from taking his final vows. What transpires will unlock the roots of her mother's tormented past, but most of all, as Jessie grapples with the tension of desire and the struggle to deny it, she will find a freedom that feels overwhelmingly right.

All are invited to attend the monthly board meeting of the Friends of the Turlock Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

October 5 is International Observe the Moon Night. Get prepared by participating in the library’s moon and astronomy trivia challenge. The challenge will run all day Oct. 5 and participants can turn in their answers to the service desk and receive a treat.

Teens can join fellow bibliophiles for a book discussion at 3 p.m. Oct. 5.

“Python Ron” McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the library for a creepy-crawly good time at 4 p.m. Oct. 8. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages.

Adults can make unique wearable art at a spook-tacular t-shirt craft session held at 1 p.m. Oct. 9 and 6 p.m. Oct. 14. Participants should bring their own black or dark-colored shirt. A number of pre-made designs will be available. This event is for ages 18 and above only.

Teens are invited to participate in the Turlock Teen Advisory Board at 4 p.m. Oct. 9.  During the hour-long meeting, participants brainstorm and discuss ideas for library activities and services for teens in Turlock. Community service hours are earned by attending meetings and helping with projects. 

The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 11. This month's selection is “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found mysteriously dead in the grounds of Baskerville Hall, people immediately associate his death with the story of the monstrous creature that haunts the moor. The world-famous Sherlock Holmes is drawn to the scene, knowing that there must be a more rational explanation.

Children can never worry about losing their place in a book again by creating their very own monster origami bookmark at 4 p.m. Oct. 15. All ages welcome; children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.

Journey to Hawkins, Indiana and the Upside Down with the library’s celebration of the world of “Stranger Things” at 4 p.m. Oct. 16. The library will have buttons, crafts and a special treat while supplies last. Designed especially for teens and tweens ages 10 to 18. 

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library using the library’s LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. Oct. 22. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.

Come to the library at 4 p.m. Oct. 29 for an hour of classic board game play. Playing board games helps teach socialization, sharing, taking turns and hand-eye coordination.

The library will host a special Halloween-themed Preschool Story Time at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Oct. 31. Kids are encouraged to dress in a non-scary costume and participate in the Friends of the Turlock Library's Trick-or-Treat Parade. A special craft will follow our Story Time.

The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. For more information on Turlock Library programs, call 209-664-8100.

Denair

The Denair Library will begin its October events with a LEGO Day. Children will have the opportunity to play with LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks from noon to 3 p.m. every Wednesday in October, beginning on Oct. 2. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.

“Python Ron” McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the library for a creepy-crawly good time at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 3. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages.

The Denair Library will host its Chess Club from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 and 23. Participants should bring their own chess boards and pieces for a nice, friendly game of chess. Chess puzzles will also be available to solve. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, all are welcome. These will be unranked, fun games of chess. Come by and meet fellow players, and maybe even make a new friend.

Halloween is around the corner. Get a head start by winning treats and toy prizes in a Halloween themed scavenger hunt in the library at 4 p.m. Oct. 10.

Children can make a spooky spider out of a paper plate, googly eyes and pipe cleaners for legs at 4 p.m. Oct. 17.  All craft supplies provided.

Visitors to the library at 4 p.m. Oct. 24 can make a jack-o'-lantern with black paper and orange chalk using a clever stencil.  All supplies provided.

On Halloween there may be a few "ghosts" going trick-or-treating. Children can make a miniature ghost out of a lollipop, a coffee filter and draw on a face of their choice at 4 p.m. Oct. 31.

The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd. For more information on Denair Library programs, call 209-634-1283.

Keyes

The Keyes Library will host four craft events in the month October.

Kids will be able to create a bookmark out of card stock or make one using origami from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 10.

Visitors to the library from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 can make spiders using pom poms and pipe cleaners.

Adults can create and paint butterflies using jumbo shell pasta from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18.

Kids will be able to color a sugar skull to celebrate Día de los Muertos from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 31.

“Python Ron” McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the Keyes Library at 2 p.m. Oct. 23 for a creepy-crawly good time. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages.

The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information about programs at the Keyes Library, call 209-664-8000.