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
Book Discussion: “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore
3:30 p.m. Monday, April 6
In 1975, when a camp counselor discovers the 13-year-old daughter of the summer camp’s owners has disappeared just like her brother 14 years earlier, a panicked search begins as the secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow are revealed.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 22
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.
Core & Restore: Chair Yoga
11 a.m. Thursday, April 9
Join certified instructor Brenda for beginner chair yoga. Enhance flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing stress from the comfort and safety of your seat. Wear comfortable loose clothing and bring a water bottle. Registration is required.
East County Craft Club: Rolled Beeswax Candles
2 p.m. Saturday, April 11
This month the East County Craft Club will practice the art of chandlery by rolling beeswax sheets into adorable beehive candles. Registration required. This program is intended for teens and adults. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 20, 27
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 p.m. led by library staff.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, April 16
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 also, 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.
Goodwill/East County Library Job Fair
10 a.m. Thursday, April 23
Visit the job fair, meet employers and learn about opportunities. This event is free and open to the public, no registration required. Presented by Goodwill SWFL in partnership with East County Regional Library.
Children’s Programs
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, April 11
Children and teens with overdue fines can reduce their fine by $2 for every 15 minutes they read during this program. Each child can earn up to a maximum of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to overdue fines on cards issued to patrons under the age of 18 as well as overdue fines for juvenile and teen materials checked out on their behalf on adult cards. Credit earned may only be used for overdue fines. Please bring your library card and check in at youth desk.
Family Storytime
6 p.m. Monday, April 6, 13, 20, 27
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 14, 21, 28
For children through age 5 years with 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.
Toddler Tales
11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 21
For children ages 18-36 months with caregiver. Caregivers move and groove with their toddlers during this interactive and high-energy storytime that uses stories, music, movement and rhymes to support language and motor skills. Caregivers participate with their children while discovering early literacy strategies and tips to use at home.
Build-It: Nature
6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Work together as a family to build something unique using the library’s engineering toys. This month be inspired by nature and use your imagination to build wild animals, trees and flowers. Everyone’s finished 3D designs will be displayed in our lobby for the rest of the month. This program is intended for children in grades K-12 with their families. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services as a family to build with our materials anytime we’re open. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 20, 27
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 p.m. led by library staff.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14
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. Entries for this month’s Teens Read and Win drawing will be accepted and we will announce our prize winners from last 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.
CROW Presents: Wildlife Rehabilitation
11 a.m. Saturday, April 25
What does “wildlife” mean? Are our pets wild? Why do wild animals need doctors and rehabilitation? Join the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) for a “lightning lesson” answering these questions and more, followed by an interactive Bald Eagle story. Afterward, we will meet a real wild animal (a CROW ambassador) and take part in a fun activity or game. Open to grades K-5. No registration, but space is limited. First come, first served.
Elementary Art: Marshmallow Painting
6 p.m. Tuesday, April 28
Calling all young artists. Explore stamp making to create vibrant, colorful prints using Peeps marshmallows and paint. This is a simple but fun art activity for all skill levels. Available while supplies last. First come, first served. For kids in grades K-5. Please plan to arrive promptly to ensure you have enough time to finish the project within the allotted time.
Teen Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, April 11
Children and teens with overdue fines can reduce their fine by $2 for every 15 minutes they read during this program. Each child can earn up to a maximum of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to overdue fines on cards issued to patrons under the age of 18 as well as overdue fines for juvenile and teen materials checked out on their behalf on adult cards. Credit earned may only be used for overdue fines. Please bring your library card and check in at youth desk.
Library Teen Talk
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Hang out in our expansive Teen Adventureland area of the library. Socialize, make new friends and chat with other teens. While here you’ll be encouraged to share your opinion on a topic like current events, everyday life, library resources and more by staff roaming the space. Responses will be displayed. Open to ages 12 -18 years.
Teen Thursday: Crafternoon – Diamond Art
2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2
Design your own magnetic masterpiece. Similar to paint-by-number, diamond painting is an art form where you use rhinestones instead of paint to color a picture. Explore this fun and relaxing craft with friends. All materials will be provided. No registration, but space and supplies are limited. First come, first served. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Build-It: Nature
6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Work together as a family to build something unique using the library’s engineering toys. This month be inspired by nature and use your imagination to build wild animals, trees and flowers. Everyone’s finished 3D designs will be displayed in our lobby for the rest of the month. This program is intended for children in grades K-12 with their families. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services as a family to build with our materials anytime we’re open. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Teen Thursday: Movie Sing-Along
2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Bring your friends, snacks and best sing-along voice to our showing of a popular feature film. Participate in related activities while you watch. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 20, 27
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 p.m. led by library staff.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14
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. Entries for this month’s Teens Read and Win drawing will be accepted and we will announce our prize winners from last 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.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16
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: CROW Presents Sea Turtles
2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23
From the mysterious “lost years” to current conservation efforts, let’s “de-shell” the mysteries of the sea turtle with the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Have you ever asked yourself why are all seven species of sea turtle considered endangered or why should we care about sea turtles? What can you do to help keep sea turtles safe? Discover the answers to your questions, meet a real wild animal (a CROW ambassador) and learn more about our saltwater friends. Open to ages 12-18 years. No registration, but space is limited. First come, first served.
Teen Thursday: Bunny Yoga & Mindfulness
2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30
Certified yoga instructor Miranda Sexton will guide you through various beginner-level movements, songs/chants and deep breathing exercises to help you relax and unwind. There will be bunnies free-roaming the space for you to gently pet and interact with. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel and a water bottle to participate. Open to ages 12-18 years. Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot.
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.
