If prayers are answered and the Valley sees April showers, there are a variety of free events offered this month at local libraries to help children and adults get out of the rain.

Turlock Library

The Turlock Library will celebrate National Poetry month by encouraging library patrons to add to the “Poet-Tree” by writing down their favorite poems on “leaves.” Staff members will use the poems to decorate the tree.

Children are invited to a dance party at the library at 10:30 a.m. April 8. The program will begin with group dances, followed by an opportunity for free style dance. Participants may also visit music themed stations.

Adults are invited to attend “After the firestorm: qualifying for a mortgage in 2015” at 7 p.m. April 8. California mortgage specialist Jim Liberto from Integrity First Financial Group will discuss what is required to qualify for a home loan in today’s market. Call 664-8100 to reserve a seat.

 Children and tweens can “Spring into Science” at 4 p.m. April 9. Participants will conduct experiments using Peeps and eggs, and will learn about birds and butterflies. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.

“3 Ways to Save,” a program to help kids learn about saving money, will take place at 4 p.m. April 14. A representative from Bank of the West will provide a book and activity to teach children and parents about saving money. 

“As Seen on Pinterest,” a craft program for teens and adults, will be held at 7 p.m. April 15. Participants will learn how to repurpose old books into book art. The program is recommended for ages 14 and older. Registration for this program is required; call the Turlock Library at 664-8100 to register. “As Seen on Pinterest” is sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.

Children and teens can learn how to make a recycled piggy bank at 4 p.m. April 21. Participants will use plastic drink bottles to create piggybanks that they may take home. This craft is sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library.

Attorney Sergio Jimenez from Strategic Legal Group will lead an Estate Planning Workshop at 7 p.m. April 21. This program will focus on the importance of creating a will or trust. Jimenez is bilingual in both English and Spanish and will be available to answer questions in both languages.

A speaker from the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources will present a special Recycling Story Time event at 10 a.m. April 23. Preschoolers will learn about the importance of recycling.

All ages may build LEGO displays for the library at 3:30 p.m. April 28. LEGO play helps children learn basic mathematic and engineering skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental supervision. LEGO programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave., in Turlock. For more information, contact the Turlock Library at 664-8100.

Denair Library

Teens and adults are encouraged to share the reasons they love their library by helping to create a display through April 15 for National Library Week. The responses will be used to create a pixilated heart display during National Library Week, April 12 -18. Participants will receive a sweet treat for sharing their love for the library.

The Friends of the Denair Library will hold a used book sale inside the library from noon to 5 p.m. April 8. Customers can choose from a selection of books for all ages at bargain prices.

Kindergarten through second grade students can participate in this month’s Crazy 8’s Math Club every Thursday at 4 p.m. On April 9, participants will make real life, supersized and miniature pictures of themselves using wax sticks. The “Jumping Through Hoops” program will take place on April 16. Children will discover their unique traits and diagram the unique combinations. Participants can enjoy the Supercube Shuffle on April 23. Children will use colored cubes to create funky designs and test their memory by copying the patterns of others. “Epic Air Traffic Control” will be held on April 30. Children will use their math skills to build their own airports, complete with finger light airplanes and glow stick runways.

The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd., in Denair. For more information, contact the Denair Library at 634-1283.

Keyes Library

The Keyes Library will host spring break programs, starting with Wii and Wii fit game time at 1 p.m. April 8. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 9, children, tweens, teens, and families can make unique marble magnets, build LEGO creations to be displayed in the library, play board games and Wii games.

Keyes Library patrons can help local shelter animals by making snuggles at 3 p.m. April 16. These blankets will provide warmth and security to shelter animals. All blankets will be donated to Stanislaus County’s Thomas Mayfield Regional Animal Services Facility. Participants are welcome to bring their own fabric, however, some fabric will also be provided. Individuals can also make their own blankets and drop them off at any Stanislaus County Library.

Community members are invited to participate in Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  April 29. Children can celebrate this multicultural event by making several fun crafts including fortune cookies, piñatas and maracas. Snacks and light refreshments will be served while supplies last. 

These programs are free and open to the community. The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave., in Keyes. For more information, call 664-8006.