December events at the Turlock Library will start with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Works session on snow at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Following a reading of “Toys Meet Snow” by Emily Jenkins, participants will make pretend snow out of baking soda and shaving cream. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older; children 4 and under must be supervised by an adult.

The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. This month's book club selection is “Night Road,” by Kristin Hannah. After a string of foster homes and the death of her heroin-addict mother, Lexi Baill is taken in by a newly discovered great-aunt who lives a spartan life near Seattle. Lexi soon meets Mia and her loving twin brother, Zach. The friendship flourishes, and Mia's mother draws Lexi into the family circle. A slowly growing attraction between Zach and Lexi begins, but then Lexi, Mia, and Zach collectively make a bad decision that results in a tragedy with extreme repercussions. A limited number of copies are available at the library. For more information, call 209-664-8100.

Adults can visit the library at 1 p.m. Dec. 4 to create stained-glass ornaments. Crafters can select a candle holder or an ornament to stain. All materials are provided. This craft is for ages 18 and older.

Friends of the Turlock Library group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. All are invited to attend.

The Turlock Teens Talk Books group will meet at 3 p.m. Dec. 7. Teens are encouraged to join other bibliophiles to discuss their newest favorite reads.

Craft a seasonal wreath with a variety of festive ribbon and cardboard tubes at the library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10. All ages welcome; children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision. 

Young children can explore different textures and activities during a Sensory Play session at 10 a.m. Dec. 11. This session is designed for children ages 5 and younger. Each child must be directly supervised by a parent or adult guardian.

Adult crafters can make a mason jar full of hot chocolate mix at 1 p.m. Dec. 11. Created with a simple hot chocolate mix, chocolate, peppermint and marshmallows, this is the perfect winter pick me up for a treasured friend — or keep it for yourself. All materials are provided. This craft is for ages 18 and older.

Young readers are encouraged to stop by the library from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and read a book to a dog. No sign-ups necessary. This program gives children a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere in which to practice reading aloud. Designed for independent readers up to age 12.

The Turlock Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Dec. 11. The board provides input on what kinds of programs and activities teens would like the library to provide. During the hour-long meeting, the group brainstorms and discusses 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. Dec. 13. This month's selection is “Desert Heat,” by J.A. Jance. Determined to clear her late husband Andy's name after police brass claim that his shooting death was the result of his involvement in drug running, Joanna Brady attempts to find Andy's killers. For more information, call the Library at 209-664-8100.

The library will hold a craft-a-palooza at 4 p.m. Dec. 17. The library will have a variety of craft supplies out on the table while they last. All ages welcome; children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision.

A Whine and Chocolate event will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 18. Start 2020 with inner peace by letting go of the problems and irritations of 2019. Participants can write down whatever bothered them about the past year and let it go — into the shredder. They can also relax, while tasting a variety of chocolates. This event is for ages 18 and older.

Celebrate the classic novel "Little Women" with crafts, games, reader's theater and refreshments at 4 p.m. Dec. 18. In keeping with the novel's theme of caring for others, the library will be accepting new gloves and beanies which will be donated to the United Samaritans Foundation. This program is for ages 10-18. 

A Hobbit themed escape room will come to the library on Dec. 27 and 28. Participants must find the Arkenstone and escape before Smaug awakens by following clues and solving puzzles to unlock the locks that hide a special "jewel."  This program is designed for ages 9 and older, and signups are required. Call 209-664-8100 to reserve a spot at one of three sessions at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. 

Celebrate the beginning of 2020 with a countdown at the library for Noon Year’s Eve. Starting at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 the library will host fun New Year’s Eve crafts and activities. Children 4 and under must have direct adult supervision. 

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

Keyes

The Keyes Library will hold three craft events in December.

Visitors to the library on Dec. 6 can make an ornament worth hanging up by painting and decorating a foam ball to their own unique style.

Using a piece of card stock paper, kids can cut it in a specific way to be able to turn it into a tree that they can decorate on Dec. 12. All supplies will be provided.

Library visitors on Dec. 19 can bring the magic of winter into their home by making decorative snowflakes. Make a second snowflake to help decorate the library.

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

Denair

December events at the Denair Library will begin with a meeting of the Drawing Club from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. This club will meet from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10 and 17. This month, animals will be the focus. Materials will be provided for these events, but participants can bring their own supplies as well.

Children will have the opportunity to play with LEGO and LEGO DUPLO blocks from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 4, 11 and 18. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.

The Denair Library will host its Chess Club from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. 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.

There will be three craft day events at the library. Make a cute winter stocking out of festive paper and sew the outside up with yarn at 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Make a mouse or two out of a candy cane and crafting foam at 4 p.m. Dec. 19. Make a non-edible gingerbread man out of paper and foam at 4 p.m. Dec. 26. All materials provided.

There will be a snowy scavenger hunt at 4 p.m. Dec. 12. Find all the hidden animals in the library to win a prize.

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