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
English Café
6 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 24
A casual, self-guided group for knitting, crochet and other needle arts. Join to 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: All-American Rag Flag
2 p.m. Saturday, June 13
This month the East County Craft Club will make All-American rag flags. Crafters will attach rags and ribbons to a dowel to make a patriotic wall hanger. This program is intended for teens and adults. Registration required. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, June 18
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.
Cool Board Games: Herbaceous and More
2 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Come inside from the heat and play some cool board games. Learn how to play Herbaceous, a game about growing the best herb garden.
Children’s Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 13
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.
Discover Coding
6 p.m. Monday, June 8
Discover coding at the library. Families with babies and children through age 11 years are invited to learn and play with Sphero Indi robots. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Adams Animal Encounters: Reptiles Revealed
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 9
Discover and learn about exotic animals in this engaging summer reading program with Adam’s Animal Encounters. Get an up-close perspective on wildlife management, rescue and conservation efforts in our area. For ages 6-11 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Children attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins, as space allows.
Community Helper Storytime: Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10
The Naples Therapeutic Riding Center will share their Mini Horse Program which encourages literacy and brings therapeutic benefits to children through calm, connection and joy. This engaging summer reading storytime will create lasting memories with a visit from a special guest mini horse. Open to families with children through age 5 years. Naples Therapeutic Riding Center serves children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs through the help of horses. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available first come, first served.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, June 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 relaxed atmosphere.
Ranger Rob: Discover How You Affect the World
6 p.m. Monday, June 15
Families with children ages 6-11 years are invited to enjoy a special summer reading program from local naturalist Ranger Rob. His engaging presentation is designed for curious minds, bringing a hands-on experience for the whole family to uncover just what a large impact our small actions can have on the world around us. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available first come, first served.
Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 16
Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed summer reading adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring lifelike, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. Open to children ages 6-11 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Children attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins, as space allows.
Sensory Playdate: Dinosaurs
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 17
Enjoy a special dinosaur sensory playdate that promotes social skills, motor skills and helps develop early literacy skills. Sensory toys, activities and music will be available to encourage a fun family bonding experience and for children to make new friends. Open to families with babies and children through age 5 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available first come, first served.
Dino-Sized Family Game Night
6 p.m. Monday, June 22
Families are invited to join us for a fun evening of colossal games at the library. Challenge your friends and family to a game of giant Candyland or Sorry, or work together to complete a puzzle. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and connect with other families in the community. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available first come, first served.
Professor Universe: The Dino Who Dunnit
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23
Join us for a fun, playful and interactive experience as Professor Universe dreams of dinosaurs still being around. In this paleo-mystery, kids will learn about the carbon cycle, and how its past disruptions have caused extinctions on the earth, while we rock out with a T-rex, too. Dinosaurs, science and comedy all wrapped into one epic summer reading tale. Open to children ages 6-11 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Children attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins, as space allows.
A Royal Storytime
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 24
Experience magical moments at our Royal Storytime. This enchanting summer reading program is filled with fun while listening to stories, singing songs and participating in princess and knight training to become royalty. Open to families with children through age 5 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available first come, first served.
Make, Bake, & Destroy: Dino Mystery
11 a.m. Saturday, June 27
Solve a dinosaur mystery while learning about different types of dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures and fossils. Open to children ages 6-11 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Children attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins, as space allows.
Teen Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 13
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.
Discover Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness
11 a.m. Thursday, June 11
This summer reading program begins with a 10-minute vibe check where we introduce mindful breathing and check-in with our bodies and minds. Practice includes various movements and deep breathing, with the last 10 minutes being full relaxation. Bunnies will be free-roaming, and you will be able to gently pet and interact with them. Bring a towel or yoga mat. Dress for comfort. Open to teens ages 12-18 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Teens attend independently.
Adams Animal Encounters: Reptiles Revealed – Teen Edition
11 a.m. Thursday, June 18
Teens will learn about exotic animals in this engaging summer reading program with Adam’s Animal Encounters. Get an up-close perspective on wildlife management, rescue and conservation efforts in our area. Open to teens ages 12-18 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Teens attend independently.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18
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.
Dino-Sized Family Game Night
6 p.m. Monday, June 22
Families are invited to join us for a fun evening of colossal games at the library. Challenge your friends and family to a game of giant Candyland or Sorry, or work together to complete a puzzle. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and connect with other families in the community. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and will be available first come, first served.
Draw Your Own Storybook Characters
11 a.m. Thursday, June 25
Bring your cartoon characters to life. Local cartoonist Doug MacGregor will guide you through the development of your own cartoon characters, from character studies to a storyboard. Be sure to bring your images and imagination to this creative summer reading program. Open to teens ages 12-18 years. Due to the popularity of the event, space is limited and registration is required. Your registration is guaranteed only until the start of the program. Teens attend independently.
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.
