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Valentines, anime and pigeons focus of February library events
library events
Kids can make Valentine's Day cards using assorted craft materials at 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Keyes Library and 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Turlock Library. - photo by Photo Contributed

 

 

Local branches of the Stanislaus County Library will offer a number of book clubs, crafting events and special programs throughout the month of February.

Turlock

All ages are invited to enjoy free programs at the Turlock Library this February, beginning with a meeting of the Turlock Library’s book club at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1. This month the book club will discuss "The Samurai’s Garden: A Novel" by Gail Tsukiyama.

The daughter of a Chinese mother and a Japanese father, Tsukiyama uses the Japanese invasion of China during the late 1930s as a somber backdrop for her unusual story about a 20-year-old Chinese painter named Stephen who is sent to his family's summer home in a Japanese coastal village to recover from a bout with tuberculosis. Here he is cared for by Matsu, a reticent housekeeper and a master gardener. Over the course of a remarkable year, Stephen learns Matsu's secret and gains not only physical strength, but also profound spiritual insight. Matsu is a samurai of the soul, a man devoted to doing good and finding beauty in a cruel and arbitrary world, and Stephen is a noble student, learning to appreciate Matsu's generous and nurturing way of life and to love Matsu's soul mate, gentle Sachi, a woman afflicted with leprosy.

For more information about the book club, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at 664-8100.

Turlock Teens Talk Books will take place at 3 p.m. Feb. 4. This program provides teens with the opportunity to discuss their favorite books and find new book recommendations.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Works: Gravity Painting will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 7. Children will combine science and art by using gravitational pull to create unique paintings. STEAM Works is designed for children in kindergarten and older.

The Turlock Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet at 4 p.m. Feb. 8. 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 Mystery Lovers Book Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 10. This month’s selection is "A Great Deliverance" by Elizabeth George. For more information, contact the Turlock Library Reference Desk at 664-8100.

Adults can learn how to make a variety of spa-themed items at 6 p.m. Feb. 13. Crafters can make items such as lip balms and bath salts.

The library will host a Valentine’s Day craft for children at 4 p.m. Feb. 14. Participants will make and decorate Valentine’s Day cards using paper and assorted craft materials.

“Anime Your Way with Carlos Nieto III” will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 15. Former Simpson’s artist Carlos Nieto III will teach the public how to create and modify an original anime character. Participants of all ages and drawing abilities are welcome to participate in this free drawing program. All materials will be provided.

The Great Valley Museum will host the program “Rocks and Minerals” at the library at 4 p.m. Feb. 21. Participants will learn how rocks and minerals are formed, how they are different and where they come from. This hands-on learning experience is designed for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, however, all ages are welcome.

The Teen Fan Fiction Club will meet at 4 p.m. Feb. 27. Participants will have the opportunity to write, share and discuss their creative fan fiction in a positive environment. The Fan Fiction Club is recommended for ages 12 to 18.

Children are invited to build and play with LEGOs at 4 p.m. Feb. 28. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to participate, however, they must have direct parental supervision.

STEAM Works, the Valentine’s Day craft, Anime Your Way with Carlos Nieto III, Great Valley Museum: Rocks and Minerals, and the Teen Fan Fiction Club are sponsored by the Friends of the Turlock Library. The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information on Turlock Library programs, call (209) 664-8100.

 

Keyes

The Keyes Library will offer two special events in February. Kids are invited to create Valentine's Day cards at the library at 3 p.m. Feb. 9 and adults are welcome to enjoy a relaxing day of coloring from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10 at the library.

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

 

Denair

Events at the Denair Library this February will begin with a butterfly craft day at 3 p.m.  Feb. 1. Children can pick from a variety of different premade craft kits to make butterflies.         

Adults are invited to relax with an afternoon of coloring from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4. All supplies will be provided.

Two teen crafts will be offered this month, beginning with a Perler beads craft at 3 p.m.  Feb. 7. When heat is applied, these colorful beads fuse together, preserving the crafters’ designs. Teens can spend the afternoon making friendship bracelets at 3 p.m. Feb. 21.

Children ages 9 and up can take part in this month’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math)  Challenge at 3 p.m. Feb. 15. Participants will make galaxy slime out of everyday items. Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Call (209) 634-1283 to sign up.

Pigeon Day will be celebrated at the library at 1 p.m. Feb. 25. Participants can enjoy a story and craft featuring Mo Willem’s "Pigeon." Children who visit the library throughout the day and find the library’s hidden Pigeon will receive a prize.

Adult Coloring and Pigeon Day are sponsored by the Friends of the Denair Library. The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Road in Denair. For more information about programs at the Denair Library, call 634-1283.