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, Dec. 1, 8, 15
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 Monopoly.
Book Discussion: “Convenience Store Woman” by Sayaka Murata
3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1
A Japanese woman who has been working at a convenience store for 18 years, much to the disappointment of her family, finds friendship with an alienated, cynical and bitter young man who becomes her co-worker.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
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.
Goodwill/East County Library Job Fair
10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
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.
East County Craft Club: No Sew Throws
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Participants will select pre-measured fleece for blankets, then cut and tie the edges to make warm and cozy throw blankets. Registration is required. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Navigating Alzheimer’s**
10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15
Learn about the stages of Alzheimer’s and practical strategies for each. This presentation offers caregivers and families tools to provide compassionate care, create supportive environments, reduce burnout and improve quality of life. Presented by Lee Health, Stephanie Malally, MSW
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 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.
Children’s Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 8, 15
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 Monopoly.
Disney Music and Movement
6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1
Children through age 5 years and their caregivers are invited to sing and dance to Disney music while exploring sounds, rhythms and patterns that make up our language.
Lego Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2
Use LEGOs to construct something unique for our lobby display. Other engineering toys including Brain Flakes and Magna-Tiles will be available but LEGO-only creations will be featured 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.
Big Feelings, Tiny Bodies
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3
Children ages 2 – 5 years and their caregivers are invited to a playful and interactive session designed to explore and understand emotions. Children will learn to manage feelings like frustration, sadness, excitement and joy. Come join us for a fun and educational time.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10, 17
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Dec. 13
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
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
Share your favorite book fandom, hear about others favorites or just hang out and read quietly. Vote to find out what the No. 1 book fandom is at East County. Learn about our monthly Teens Read & Win contest and how you can participate to win. We’ll announce our November winner and accept entries for the December drawing. If you can’t make the meeting, entries can be turned in anytime the library is open at the Young Adult Services Desk throughout December. Prizes provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens ages 11 – 18 years.
Bluey Bash
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10
Children ages 2 – 5 years are invited to drop in with their grown-up to make a fun craft and play special games like Musical Paw Prints and Keepy Uppy. No registration required; available while supplies last.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 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.
Cozy Cookie Decorating
6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15
Children through age 5 years and their caregivers are invited to decorate cookies and enjoy festive music. Dress for mess. Space is limited; available while supplies last.
Winter Celebration
4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
Children ages 6-13 years are invited to a fun-filled afternoon of festive activities, including card making, cookie decorating and holiday crafting. Space is limited; available while supplies last.
Teen Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 8, 15
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 Monopoly.
Lego Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2
Use LEGOs to construct something unique for our lobby display. Other engineering toys including Brain Flakes and Magna-Tiles will be available but LEGO-only creations will be featured 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.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10, 17
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Dec. 13
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.
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10, 17
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.
Teen Thursday: Fire Cadet Program
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4
Students ages 14-20 years who are interested in careers in either fire service or emergency medicine are invited to an informational session on the fire cadet program offered by Lehigh Acres Fire Control & Rescue District.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9
Share your favorite book fandom, hear about others favorites or just hang out and read quietly. Vote to find out what the No. 1 book fandom is at East County. Learn about our monthly Teens Read & Win contest and how you can participate to win. We’ll announce our November winner and accept entries for the December drawing. If you can’t make the meeting, entries can be turned in anytime the library is open at the Young Adult Services Desk throughout December. Prizes provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens aged 11 – 18 years.
Squid Games: Season 2
2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Bring your game face for an all new Squid Games-inspired afternoon full of challenges to determine who splits our pot of candy. But gamers beware: fail a game and you’ll be knocked out of the competition. All judges’ decisions are final. Sign up either online in advance or in person the day of the event between 2-2:30 p.m. The games begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Open to ages 12- 18 years. Registration is required.
East County Craft Club: No Sew Throws
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Participants will select pre-measured fleece for blankets, then cut and tie the edges to make warm and cozy throw blankets. Registration is required. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Winter Celebration
4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
Children ages 6-13 years are invited to a fun-filled afternoon of festive activities, including card making, cookie decorating and holiday crafting. Space is limited; available while supplies last.
Teen Thursday: Winter Craft
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18
Make an ornament or card for yourself or someone special while you listen to festive music and chill out with your friends. Open to patrons in grades 9-12.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 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.
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.
