Discover a world of excitement and learning at the East County Regional Library’s upcoming April events, all of which are free and open to the public! From engaging activities for adults to captivating programs for teens and fun-filled events for children, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in this month’s Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, craft workshops, chess days, or teen movie night, this library has it all!
The East County Regional Library is located at 881 Gunnery Road in Lehigh Acres. To learn more about a specific program or to register, please call the library at (239) 533-4200. For a comprehensive list of programs at other library locations, visit the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your horizons and connect with your community through our diverse range of events!
Adult Programs
Chess Anyone?
2 p.m. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Book Discussion: “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
3:30 p.m. Monday, April 1
The hilarious, idiosyncratic and uplifting story of a female scientist whose career is constantly derailed by the idea that a woman’s place is in the home, only to find herself starring as the host of America’s most beloved TV cooking show. But Elizabeth isn’t just teaching women how to cook, she’s teaching them how to change the status quo.
English Café
6 p.m. Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24
Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
1 p.m. Monday, April 8
Step outside to observe the partial eclipse in real time and participate in other fun activities. Eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Tuesdays, April 9, 23
Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session. Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps. Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesdays, April 10, 24
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that join together to share projects, ideas and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools. Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers.
East County Craft Club: Boho Egg Carton Wall Décor
2 p.m. Saturday, April 13
Participants will use egg cartons, paint and thread to make a decorative wall hanging. Registration required. This program is intended for ages 18 and up. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Butterfly Gardening with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
11 a.m. Friday, April 26
Learn how to cultivate your own butterfly garden with assistance from the expert gardeners of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Children’s Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
2 – 6 p.m. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, April 13
Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.
Chess Anyone?
2 p.m. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Baby Rhyme Time
6:30 p.m. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment.
Toddler Tales
10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
For ages 18-36 months and caregivers. Toddlers and caregivers move and groove during this interactive storytime.
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, April 3, 10, 17, 24
For children through age 5 and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
For ages 3-5. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby.
STEAM Explorers
11 a.m. Saturday, April 6
Children ages 5-11 are invited to join us for a story and activity based on the aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Today, we’re building an eclipse viewfinder to safely observe Monday’s solar eclipse. This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to learn and get creative together.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
1 p.m. Monday, April 8
Step outside to observe the partial eclipse in real time and participate in other fun activities. Eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last.
Read to the Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, April 13
Join us at the library for reading to dogs. The dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team to help improve the literacy skills of children. Children can read down fines or just develop a love of reading through reading to dogs.
Teen Programs
Chess Anyone?
2 p.m. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Kids Read Down Fines
2 – 6 p.m. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, April 13
Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.
Teen Tuesday: High School Movie
2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2
High school teens are invited to sit back and enjoy a movie. Bring your friends and some snacks. Please call the East County Regional Library for the movie title. Movie ratings range from G to PG-13.
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Thursdays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
High school teens are invited to the library for a weekly discussion about current events, everyday life, library resources and more. Teens will be encouraged to post an answer to a weekly question while socializing and making new friends.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
1 p.m. Monday, April 8
Step outside to observe the partial eclipse in real time and participate in other fun activities. Eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last.
Teen Tuesday: Open Mic Challenge
2 p.m. Tuesday, April 9
Show off your skills. Sing, recite poetry, play an instrument and more as part of our open mic challenge. Not ready to stand up in front of an audience? Support your friends and the other performers as a member of the audience and then vote on the best performance at the end of the show.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
2 p.m. Wednesday, April 10
SWAT is an organization with an active, involved membership for middle and high school students that gives youth a voice to stand up to Big Tobacco. SWAT empowers youth to educate their peers about the manipulative tactics of Big Tobacco, so that together they can make a change for the next generation. By joining SWAT, teens can earn service hours, make a difference in the lives of others, gain leadership skills and much more.
Teen Tuesday: High School Game Day
2 p.m. Tuesday, April 16
Play board games, video games, card games and more at the library. Open to all high school-aged teens. Bring your own drinks and snacks to enjoy during the event.
Teen Tuesday: Spring Hangout
2 p.m. Tuesday, April 23
High school teens are invited to celebrate spring. Enjoy crafts, coloring and music. Bring your own snacks and covered drinks to enjoy during the program.
Teen Tuesday: Teen Advisory Group (TAG)
5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30
Be a part of the East County Regional Library’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and help make your library’s teen area the place to be. TAG members assist with program planning, suggest book titles and help create displays in the teen area. Service-learning hours and light snacks will be provided. For teens, ages 12-17.