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
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 9, 23
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. This month we’re playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Book Discussion: “Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge” by Spencer Quinn
3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2
When she is scammed out of her life savings, Mrs. Loretta Plansky, a recent widow in her 70s, refuses to be just another victim. Following her only clue, she embarks on a whirlwind adventure to a small village in Romania to get both her money and dignity back. This program is part of the 27th annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival, to be held Saturday, March 7. For more information about the festival and its featured authors, visit www.ReadFest.org.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 25
A casual, self-guided group for knitting, crochet and other needle arts. Join in to share projects, ideas and techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects and tools. Basic materials and supplies are available for newcomers.
Get Outdoors with Lee County Parks & Rec
11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Join us for an exciting presentation by Lee County Parks & Recreation and discover all the incredible services and amenities available to residents. This session will also feature important details on how to register for summer camps, which fill up very quickly. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature, your community and the fun that’s waiting for you.
East County Craft Club: Candy Book Bouquets
2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Use a candy box, floral foam, skewers and a book to create a candy book bouquet, the perfect book-centric gift for yourself or a friend. Registration is required. This program is intended for teens and adults. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
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.
Salvador Dali Presentation
10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26
Learn about one of the most iconic artists of the surrealist art movement, Salvador Dali. Dali is a striking artist whose work has been referenced repeatedly in both fine art and in media and who has inspired many artists with his paintings.
Children’s Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 9, 23
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. This month we’re playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Family Storytime
6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24
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: Trains
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3
Work together as a family to build something unique using the library’s engineering toys. This month we’re focusing on all things trains. Build a crazy train track, recreate your favorite train car and/or construct scenery for the trains to pass by on their journey. We’ll put everyone’s finished 3D designs on display. This program is intended for children in grades K-12 with their families. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services as a family and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
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, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Feb. 14
Children and teens with overdue fines on their account can reduce their fine by $2 for every 15 minutes they read during this program. Earn up to a maximum of $8 in one session. Credit will be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under and can be used only for overdue fines. Please bring your library card and check in at youth desk.
Book Buzz: Featuring Author Somar Ramos
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10
Uncover the secrets to the publishing world. Teen author Somar Ramos will discuss her writing process and share how she published her debut novel, “Secrets of the Past.” Entries for this month’s Teens Read and Win drawing will also be accepted and we will announce our prize winners. 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.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
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 relaxed atmosphere.
Elementary Art: Paint Like Alma
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24
Learn about celebrated 20th century African-American painter Alma Woodsey Thomas while creating your own artwork inspired by her signature abstract style. Available while supplies last. First come, first served. For kids in grades K-5.
Family Movie Sing-Along
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Let’s venture into the unknown during our midmorning sing-along screening of a fun family film. To save their kingdom, our heroes leave their home to discover the origin of one of their own’s powers. Will they uncover the mystery or get lost in the woods? Open to families with children of all ages.
Teen Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 9, 23
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. This month we’re playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Build-It: Trains
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3
Work together as a family to build something unique using the library’s engineering toys. This month we’re focusing on all things trains. Build a crazy train track, recreate your favorite train car and/or construct scenery for the trains to pass by on their journey. We’ll put everyone’s finished 3D designs on display. This program is intended for children in grades K-12 with their families. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services as a family and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Teen Talk
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11,18, 25
Hang out in our expansive Teen Adventureland. Socialize, make new friends and chat with other teens. While here, you’ll be encouraged to share your opinion with library staff on a topic like current events, everyday life, library resources and more. Responses will be displayed afterward. Open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Feb. 14
Children and teens with overdue fines on their account can reduce their fine by $2 for every 15 minutes they read during this program. Earn up to a maximum of $8 in one session. Credit will be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under and can be used only for overdue fines. Please bring your library card and check in at youth desk.
Teen Thursday: Valentines Crafternoon
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5
Let the special people in your life know exactly why you think they are awesome by making them a personalized paper fortune cookie for Valentine’s Day. Can’t make it to the program? Fortune cookie Valentines supplies will be available in the Young Adult area after the event, while supplies last. Open to ages 12- 18 years.
Book Buzz: Featuring Author Somar Ramos
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10
Uncover the secrets to the publishing world. Teen author Somar Ramos will discuss her writing process and share how she published her debut novel, “Secrets of the Past.” Entries for this month’s Teens Read and Win drawing will also be accepted and we will announce our prize winners. 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 Thursday Movie Sing-Along
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12
Bring your friends, snacks and best sing-along voice to this special film screening. Participate in related activities while you watch. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Teen Thursday: Art Inspired by Alma Thomas
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
In honor of Black History Month, take inspiration from celebrated 20th century African-American painter Alma Woodsey Thomas’ signature abstract style by creating your own work of art. Available while supplies last. First come, first serve. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) empowers youth to educate their peers about the 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: Escape Room
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26
Do you have what it takes to decipher clues and puzzles to stop the impending apocalypse? Take on the challenge by using objects found around the library to help put a stop to the artificial intelligence threatening to wipe out humanity. Complete the event in the allotted time and win a prize button. Check in at the Young Adult Services Desk to begin. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Family Movie Sing-Along
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28
Let’s venture into the unknown during our midmorning sing-along screening of a fun family film. To save their kingdom, our heroes leave their home to discover the origin of one of their own’s powers. Will they uncover the mystery or get lost in the woods? Open to families with children of all ages.
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.
