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
Marvel Artist Jerry DeCaire’s Live-Drawing Workshop
2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4
Join Marvel Entertainment comic artist Jerry DeCaire for an interactive presentation that unveils the artistic process behind your favorite superheroes. DeCaire will break down the step-by-step creation of a comic book, revealing the surprising connections between math and art in illustration. Witness a live drawing performance featuring iconic superhero artwork, with select demo drawings and color prints given away to lucky patrons. The event concludes with a Q&A session, offering insights into careers in comic book illustration and the art industry. Registration is required.
East County Craft Club: Pumpkin Spice Soap
2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Fet ready for cooler fall weather by making pumpkin spice soap. Crafters will start with soap base and add colorant, scented oil and more to make soap bars to match the season’s most popular flavor and scent. Hot elements will be in use during class. Registration required. This program is intended for ages 18 and up. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
Join friends and friendly competitors alike for games of strategy, chance and fun. Bring your own game or choose from the library’s collection of chess sets, card games, board games, role playing games, Wii and more.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 24
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters who 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.
Author Presentation: Lily Nieves “Abuela Chronicles”
2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
Join local author and East County Regional Library patron Lily Nieves, as she shares insights from her newly published book, “The Abuela Chronicles.” Discover a heartfelt story that explores the power of heritage, the importance of staying connected to your roots and the enduring presence of those who came before us.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
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.
Children’s Programs
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
For children through age 5 years and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.
Build-It
4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2
Use your imagination to build. Create something unique using engineering toys like Brain Flakes, Lego and more and we’ll put your 3D design on display for viewing. This program is intended for children ages 5-11 years. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24
For children, ages 3-5 years to develop school readiness skills. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Sept. 13
Children and Teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card.
Middle Grades: Would You Rather?
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24
Which will you choose and what will your friends say? Meet with staff each week in the Teen Adventureland area where we’ll pose fun “would you rather” and “this or that” questions for you to answer during our interactive discussion. Our weekly question is reserved just for grades 6 – 8 so we can find out what you really think about things.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
Join friends and friendly competitors alike for games of strategy, chance and fun. Bring your own game or choose from the library’s collection of chess sets, card games, board games, role playing games, Wii and more.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9
Share your favorite book, listen to what others are reading, or just hang out and read quietly. Learn about our monthly Teens Read & Win contest and how you can participate. The August winners will be announced and entries for the September drawing will be accepted. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the meeting as entries can be turned in anytime the library is open at the Young Adult Services Desk throughout September. Prizes for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. For ages 11-18 years.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13
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.
Elementary Perler Beads
4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16
Make pixel art with Perler beads. Unleash your creativity by designing a colorful fall-themed pattern using peg board templates and fuse beads. Staff will arrange for you to pick up your craft at a later date once it’s been ironed and set. Open to ages 6-11 years.
STEAM Team: Wacky Water
11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20
Calling all tinkerers, creators, makers and inventors. Kids ages 6-11 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. First come, first served. While supplies last.
Middle School Acorn Donuts
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30
Middle school students are welcome to join us at the library to make a tasty treat perfect for the fall season. Donuts, chocolate, pretzels and sprinkles will be provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-14 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.
Teen Programs
Normal is Overrated Youth Group
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3
Help end the mental health stigma. Teens are invited to participate in Normal is Overrated, a peer-led youth group designed to help teens feel heard, valued and connected. Guided by mental health professionals from Golisano Children’s Hospital, the group offers a safe, judgment-free space for open conversations and shared experiences. There will be planned activities, snacks and conversations on mental health topics like anxiety, stress, peer pressure and self-care. This program is open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Sept. 13
Children and Teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card.
Middle Grades: Would You Rather?
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24
Which will you choose and what will your friends say? Meet with staff each week in the Teen Adventureland area where we’ll pose fun “would you rather” and “this or that” questions for you to answer during our interactive discussion. Our weekly question is reserved just for grades 6-8 so we can find out what you really think about things.
Marvel Artist Jerry DeCaire’s Live-Drawing Workshop**
2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4
Join Marvel Entertainment comic artist Jerry DeCaire for an interactive presentation that unveils the artistic process behind your favorite superheroes. DeCaire will break down the step-by-step creation of a comic book, revealing the surprising connections between math and art in illustration. Witness a live drawing performance featuring iconic superhero artwork, with select demo drawings and color prints given away to lucky patrons. The event concludes with a Q&A session, offering insights into careers in comic book illustration and the art industry. Registration is required.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
Join friends and friendly competitors alike for games of strategy, chance and fun. Bring your own game or choose from the library’s collection of chess sets, card games, board games, role playing games, Wii and more.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9
Share your favorite book, listen to what others are reading, or just hang out and read quietly. Learn about our monthly Teens Read & Win contest and how you can participate to win. The August winners will be announced and entries for the September drawing will be accepted. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the meeting as entries can be turned in anytime the library is open at the Young Adult Services Desk throughout September. Prizes for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens aged 11-18 years.
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 17, 24
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.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
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.
Teen Thursday: Financial Literacy
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18
Financial center manager Leah Wehrle will provide information on managing credit for teens and discuss other aspects of financial literacy. This program is open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Teen Thursday: Crafternoon
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25
Make your own colorful mosaic pattern using a variety of materials. It’s a simple, fun and relaxing way to create art while hanging out with friends. Supplies will be provided at the event and will be available afterward in the Young Adult area, while supplies last. This program is open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Middle School Acorn Donuts
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30
Middle school students are welcome to join us at the library to make a tasty treat perfect for the fall season. Donuts, chocolate, pretzels and sprinkles will be provided. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-14 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.
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.
To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters.
