Next month’s roster of activities at East County Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:
Adult Programs
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 23
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters 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: Paint by Number
2 p.m. Saturday, July 12
This month the East County Craft Club will use paint by number paint kits. This popular craft is perfect for hot summer days. Registration is required. This program is intended for ages 18 years and up. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, July 17
Receive personalized help downloading eBooks, eAudioBooks, movies, music and more from Libby/OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Support also will be available to registered users of the National Library Service’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service (BARD) which is provided through Home Borrower Services and Lee County Talking Books. Note: Attendees should bring their preferred, charged device (tablet, phone, e-reader, etc.) along with any passwords needed to download apps. Kindle users also must have an Amazon account and password. Patrons interested in BARD should contact Talking Books at 239-533-4780 before attending to ensure they have an active account or find out how to set one up.
Color Our World: Still Life Studio
2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 22
Indulge your artistic side by drawing and coloring a still life. For one hour, a display will be set up for still life drawing so come have fun embracing your inner artist.
Children’s Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, July 12
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.
DIY Playdough Playdate
6 p.m. Monday, July 7
Get ready for a hands-on, squishy good time getting creative with playdough. Families with children through age 11 years are invited to make their own playdough and then use it to create anything they can imagine. Dress for mess. No registration is required, but space and supplies are limited.
Create with Art Lab
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8
Make creativity part of your family routine with the Alliance for the Arts’ Family Art Lab. Join us for a hands-on project to explore various mediums, styles and artists − all inspired by artworks on view in the Alliance for the Arts gallery. Dress for mess. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Kids attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins as space allows.
Sensory Playdate: Color
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 9
There’s a rainbow of fun waiting at the library. We’ll have an assortment of colorful sensory toys, activities and music available to encourage a fun family bonding experience and for children to make new friends. Sensory Playdate helps promote both social and motor skills as well as build early literacy skills. For ages 2-5 years.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, July 12
Practice your literacy skills with a furry friend. Children ages 6-11 years are invited to select a book to read aloud and then join our registered therapy dog and their owner/handler on the storytime carpet for gentle pets and stories. Children can use this time to read down fines or develop a love of reading in a relaxed atmosphere.
Music and Movement
6 p.m. Monday, July 14
Families with children through age 11 years are invited to sing and dance to music while exploring the sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language.
Ranger Rob: Amazing Adaptations
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15
Enjoy a special program from local naturalist Ranger Rob. His captivating presentation is specially designed for curious minds, bringing the fascinating stories of animals and their unique survival strategies to life. Adaptations will focus on the five senses and putting yours to the test. For children ages 6-11 years. Registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Kids attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins as space allows.
How to Hide an Octopus
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 16
Join the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium for a summer reading story about camouflage. Throughout the story, kids can try to spot the different animals hidden in the book and then try to camouflage their own octopus arm. Each participant will have the opportunity to touch a live mollusk and receive a shell and shell guide to keep. For children through age 5 years.
STEAM Team: Acrylic Pour
11 a.m. Saturday, July 19
Calling all tinkerers, creators, makers and inventors. Kids ages 8-13 years are encouraged to join us each month for STEAM Team where we will focus on one or more STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) elements through fun, hands-on activities and experiments. This month we’ll create a unique abstract masterpiece using the popular “acrylic pour” technique. Supplies are limited and registration is required.
Bubble Dance Party
6 p.m. Monday, July 21
Families with children through age 11 years are invited to dance, sing and play with bubbles. This summer reading program will take place outside under the shade structure in front of the library.
Creative Assembly
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22
Join us for this highly entertaining and interactive show where art and creativity collide. Peek into the creative process through live music, drawing, comedy and juggling. You may even see a unicycle. Don’t miss this colorful multimedia event aimed to engage all your senses. For children ages 6-11 years. Registration is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Kids attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins as space allows.
Bubble Dance Party
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23
Children and their families are invited to dance, sing and play with bubbles. Open to children through age 5 years.
Teen Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, July 12
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.
Parrots Uncovered: What Everyone Should Know
11 a.m. Thursday, July 10
Join the Parrot Outreach Society from Punta Gorda to learn about their dedication to enhancing the lives of parrots. These amazing creatures are highly intelligent, very social, complex beings. You will gain an understanding of how special they are and get the opportunity to interact with them. Materials will be provided to sketch what you see. For ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
Tie-Dye Fun**
11 a.m. Thursday, July 17
Add a splash of color to your wardrobe. Tie-dye your choice of a t-shirt or drawstring backpack, while supplies last. Dress for mess during this outdoor event. For ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17
SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) is a statewide organization with an active, involved membership of middle and high school students that gives youth a voice to stand up to the tobacco industry. 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. Members will be able to participate in games and snacks will be provided.
Make Your Own Spa Day
11 a.m. Thursday, July 24
Create a variety of DIY products from lip balm to bath enhancers to help you relax and feel like your best self. For ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
The East County Regional Library is located at 881 Gunnery Road in Lehigh Acres. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at (239) 533-4200. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.
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