Local branches of the Stanislaus County Library will offer a number of crafting events in February, along with classes on technology and taxes.

Turlock

February events at the Turlock Library will start with a computer basics class will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 1. This class will include a basic introduction to computers, including an explanation of the parts of the computer, a tour of Windows, and simple tasks. The class will also be held on Feb. 8, 15 and 22. Advance registration is required. Call (209) 664-8100 to sign up.

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

The Modesto Money Mavens will present a fun and informative class on ways to save time and money while shopping with extreme couponing at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5. Learn tips, tricks, and smart-phone apps that may save you money. A variety of materials, and coupons, will be given away during the class.

The February STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works session will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 6 and begin with a reading of “Ish” by Peter Reynolds. Following the story, participants will have an opportunity to create their own art work using crayons and watercolors. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older; children 4 and under must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian.

The Turlock Library Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 7. February’s selection is “The Uncommon Reader” by Alan Bennett — a deliciously funny novella that celebrates the pleasure of reading. When the Queen in pursuit of her wandering corgi stumbles upon a mobile library, she feels duty bound to borrow a book. Aided by Norman, a young man from the palace kitchen who frequents the library, Bennett describes the Queen's transformation as she discovers the liberating pleasures of the written word. A limited number of copies are available at the Turlock Library. Call 209-664-8100 for more information.

The Friends of the Turlock Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7. All are invited to attend this public meeting of the organization that supports the local library.

The Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 9. February’s selection is “One for the Money” by Janet Evanovich. Here comes Stephanie Plum, a bounty hunter with attitude. She's from the burg, a blue-collar pocket of Trenton, New Jersey, where cars are American, windows are clean, and dinner is served at six. No exceptions. Stephanie lives five miles from her parents, trying to sever the world's longest umbilical cord. Mom is a meddler, and eccentric Grandma Mazur is a few cans short of a case. Out of work, Stephanie blackmails her bail bondsman cousin, Vinnie, into giving her a try as an agent. “One for the Money” catapulted Evanovich and her incomparable heroine into crime-writing superstardom.

Learn about the free eResources the library has to offer at a Tech Connect class scheduled for noon Feb. 12. Library staff will help patrons download applications to their devices such as:

·        - Mango Languages– Learn a new language from the comfort of your own home, or on the go. 

·        -  Hoopla – Digital access to audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, eBooks, and graphic novels.

·         - Cloud Library – Download eBooks and enjoy eBooks on the go. 

·         - RBdigital- Instant digital access to popular magazines. 

A representative from H&R Block will discuss important topics such as The PATH Act, and tax reform changes from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 12. The representative will be available to answer questions regarding tax forms, tax credits and Affordable Care Act tax information.

Children can create unique cards to give to someone special for Valentine's Day at 4 p.m. Feb. 13. 
All ages are welcome. Children under 4 must have supervision from a parent or adult guardian. This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Turlock Library.

The Turlock Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Feb. 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 Great Valley Museum will present a program titled “Magical Magnets” at 4 p.m. Feb. 20. Children can discover this mysterious invisible force that can both repel and attract other objects and learn about magnetic properties through hands-on experiments. All ages welcome; designed for children in kindergarten and older. Children 4 and under must have direct supervision from a parent or adult guardian.

Teens and tweens ages 11 to 18 are invited to learn how to make a slouchy beanie in a basic crochet class at 4 p.m. Feb. 21. Materials will be provided. Space is limited; advance sign-ups are required. Contact the Turlock Library for more information at 209-664-8100.

Children are invited to build and play with LEGOs and DUPLO blocks at 4 p.m. Feb. 27. Ages 4 and under are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental 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 offer three craft activities in the month of February.

Kids can create a colorful rainbow fish stick puppet inspired by Marcus Pfister's book, “The Rainbow Fish!” from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 8. 

Teens and adults can create fortune cookie valentines with custom messages in this craft event from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 9.

Kids can create and decorate fun Valentine’s Day cards for friends and family from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 14.

The Keyes Library is located at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information about programs at the Keyes Library, call (209) 664-8006.

Denair

The Denair Library will offer a craft event and a card game gathering in February.

Kids can create a tissue paper butterfly using a colorful clothespin, twisted pipe cleaner and colored tissue paper at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8.

The library will host a Hearthstone Fireside Gathering from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17. All ages are invited to discuss the digital card game, check out the new expansion, and play with fellow Hearthstone enthusiasts in the area.

The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Rd., in Denair. For more information about programs at the Denair Library, call (209) 634-1283.