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
Vincent Van Gogh: His Life, Art and Rise to Fame
11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3
Learn about the life and rise to fame of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, how he went from being largely unknown in life to his meteoric rise to fame after his death. Presented by Carol Johnson, a graduate of Wayne State University who has been presenting engaging and informative educational programs for years in the Lee County area.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages. 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. Learn to play a new game the first Monday of each month from 2:30-3 led by library staff. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing Scrabble.
Book Discussion: “The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn
3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
In 1950 Washington, D.C., at an all-female boardinghouse called Briarwood, mysterious widow Grace March moves into the attic room, drawing her oddball collection of neighbors into unlikely friendship. When a shocking act of violence tears the house apart, the women must expose the true enemy in their midst.
Goodwill/East County Library Job Fair
1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
Connect with prospective local employers and learn about upcoming opportunities at our fall job fair. This event is free and open to the public, no registration required. Presented by Goodwill SWFL in partnership with East County Regional Library.
East County Craft Club: Japanese Glass Float Ornaments
2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Join an instructor-led craft class and create ornaments themed after Japanese glass floats.
Registration is required. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters who share projects, ideas and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools. Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers.
Lee County Taxes 101
Noon Monday, Nov. 17
This informative program will present an overview of the Lee County Tax Collector’s services and strategy and the Lee County Property Appraiser’s overview of exemptions and homestead portability. Registration is required. Presented by the Lee County Tax Collector and Lee County Property Appraiser.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
Receive personalized help downloading eBooks, eAudioBooks, movies, music and more from Libby/OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s popular 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 favorite tablet, e-reader or phone. Be sure it’s fully charged and have your passwords for downloading apps available. 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
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages. 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. Learn to play a new game the first Monday of each month from 2:30-3 led by library staff. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing Scrabble.
Family Storytime
6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 10, 17
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 18
For children through age 5 years with a caregiver. Enjoy books, rhymes, songs and activities. This fun and engaging program offers kids a chance to make friends and build skills through stories, music and movement. Caregivers participate with their children while learning helpful early literacy strategies and tips to continue at home.
Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4
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 5-13 years. Can’t make it? Stop by and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 12, 19
For children ages 3-5 years. Your preschooler will build relationships, meet new friends and develop school readiness skills. This fun and interactive storytime fosters independent thinking and a lifelong love of learning through reading, talking, singing, writing and playing. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 12, 19
11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Children and teens can earn a $2 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, Nov. 5, 12, 19
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.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
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.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
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. At the meeting we will announce our previous month’s winners and entries for the next 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 the month. Prizes for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens ages 11-18 years.
Buttonpalooza for Kids
6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18
Create your own pin-on button with original artwork using a variety of buttons. Supplies will be provided. This program is open to those in grades K-8.
Teen Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, 10, 17
Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages. 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. Learn to play a new game the first Monday of each month from 2:30-3 led by library staff. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing Scrabble.
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 19
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.
Normal is Overrated Youth Group
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5
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, Nov. 5, 12, 19
11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Children and teens can earn a $2 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, Nov. 5, 12, 19
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.
Goodwill/East County Library Job Fair
1:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
Connect with prospective local employers and learn about upcoming opportunities at our fall job fair. This event is free and open to the public, no registration required. Presented by Goodwill SWFL in partnership with East County Regional Library.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
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. At the meeting we will announce our previous month’s winners and entries for the next 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 the month. Prizes for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens ages 11-18 years.
Teen Research 101
3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15
This program is intended for high school-aged patrons who would like assistance using library databases to complete research papers. A brief overview of Lee County library databases will be given followed by an extensive interactive session where participants performing their own research are able to ask questions to help achieve their desired results. Please bring your research question, current results and project requirements to this program.
Buttonpalooza for Kids
6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18
Create your own pin-on button with original artwork using a variety of buttons. Supplies will be provided. This program is open to those in grades K – 8.
Teen Thursday: Crafternoon – Finger Painting
2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
Let loose your inner child. Join us for a blast-from-the-past program where you get to enjoy a classic kindergarten activity in a calm, relaxed environment. Supplies will be provided along with some transcendental music. Open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20
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.
East County Craft Club: Japanese Glass Float Ornaments
2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8
Join an instructor-led craft class and create ornaments themed after Japanese glass floats.
Registration is required. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
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.
