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: Chess & More
3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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 and more. Chess instruction will be available the first Monday of each month from 3 – 4 p.m.
Book Discussion: “A Land Remembered” by Patrick Smith
3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2
The story of three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family who battle the hardships of the frontier to rise from a dirt-poor Cracker life to the wealth and standing of real estate tycoons. The tale that emerges is a rich, rugged Florida history featuring a memorable cast of indomitable Crackers battling wild animals, rustlers, Confederate deserters and hurricanes to carve a kingdom out of the swamp.
Download Drop-In Featuring BARD Support
11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 17
Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session. Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps. Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it.
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.
English Café
6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11, 18
Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.
Fandom Fest Trivia
1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Know a bunch of random facts about anime? A veritable encyclopedia of video game history? Have you memorized a TV show from front to back? Come to the library and compete in a trivia afternoon all about fandoms in the lead up to Fandom Fest.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters shares 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: Gingerbread House Making Craft
2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
This month the East County Craft Club will get ready for winter with a gingerbread house making and decorating class. Each crafter will start with a plain gingerbread house, then select and arrange icing and candy to make a stunning display piece. Registration required. This program is intended for ages 18 and up. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Meet the Author: Magdianamy Carrillo-Sotomayor
Noon Thursday, Dec. 19
Join us for a special presentation by local author and librarian Magdianamy Carrillo Sotomayor, who will share her book, “Entre Letras y Cicatrices: Memorias de un Eslabón Perdido.” This autobiographical work reflects on her journey from childhood in Puerto Rico to professional growth, highlighting how education helped her heal and find hope. Copies of her book, available in both English and Spanish, will be available for purchase after the presentation.
Únase a nosotros para una presentación especial de la autora y bibliotecaria local Magdianamy Carrillo Sotomayor, quien compartirá su libro “Entre Letras y Cicatrices: Memorias de un Eslabón Perdido.” Este trabajo autobiográfico reflexiona sobre su viaje desde la infancia en Puerto Rico hasta su crecimiento profesional, destacando cómo la educación la ayudó a sanar y encontrar esperanza. Copias de su libro, disponibles tanto en inglés como en español, estarán disponibles para su compra después de la presentación.
Family Movie
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
Dive into the world of Emperor Penguins, who find their soul mates through song. When a penguin is born, his family discovers he can’t carry a tune but he can tap dance something fierce. Patrons are welcome to bring their own snacks and covered drinks to the movie. Movie title is subject to change. Rated PG.
Children’s Programs
Let’s Play: Chess & More
3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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 and more. Chess instruction will be available the first Monday of each month from 3 – 4 p.m.
Fandom Fest: Disney Music & Movement
6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2
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.
Fandom Fest: Build-It: Roblox
3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3
Roblox fans unite and use your imagination to build. Convert your favorite Roblox games and characters into real life creations using engineering toys like Brain Flakes, Lego bricks and more. We’ll put your 3D design on display for viewing until our next build-it event. This program is intended for children ages 5-11 years.
Fandom Fest: Frozen Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4
Children through age 5 years and their caregivers are invited to join their favorite ice queen and ice princess as they present storytime. The queen and princess will also sing their signature songs, provide prince and princess training and be available for photos at the end of the event.
Fandom Fest: Mario Game Day
4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10
Celebrate the iconic plumber in coveralls, Mario, with an afternoon of Mario-themed video games. We’ll also have a selection of other video and board games on hand for you to play, or you can bring your own. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and a beverage to enjoy during the event. This event is open to middle school-aged kids.
Fandom Fest: Bluey Bash
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11
It’s a wackadoo celebration at the library for young fans of the lovable Heeler Family. Kids ages 2-5 years are invited to drop in with their grown-up for activity stations including a Granny Photobooth, a Bluey Headband Craft, a Wackadoo Dice Game, a Bluey Coloring Station and a Long Dog Scavenger Hunt. We’ll also play the special games Musical Paw Prints (10:45-10:55 a.m.) and Keepy Uppy (11:15-11:25 a.m.) On your way out, pick up your own Long Dog to keep the fun going at home. No registration required, while supplies last.
Kids Read Down Fines
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Dec. 14
Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 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 a 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.
Sensory Playdate: “Happy Feet” Snow Exploration
6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16
Enjoy a special “Happy Feet”-themed sensory playdate that promotes social skills, fine motor skills and helps develop early literacy skills. Sensory toys, activities and music will be available to encourage a fun bonding experience for families and for children to make new friends. For ages 2-5 years.
“Happy Feet” Holiday Card Craft
4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17
Create a special one-of-a-kind holiday greeting card for a family member or friend while you enjoy music from the “Happy Feet” movie soundtrack. Various supplies will be provided to make the perfect card for that special someone. For ages 5 – 13 years.
“Happy Feet” Dance Party
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18
Move and groove to the music from the movie “Happy Feet” with friends. Families with children through age 5 years are invited to dance, sing and play with bubbles.
Family Movie
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
When a penguin is born, his family discovers he can’t carry a tune but he can tap dance something fierce. Patrons are welcome to bring their own snacks and covered drinks to the movie. Movie title is subject to change. Rated PG.
Teen Programs
Let’s Play: Chess & More
3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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 and more. Chess instruction will be available the first Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m.
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11, 18
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 Info Session
2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
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.
Fandom Fest Trivia
1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Know a bunch of random facts about anime? A veritable encyclopedia of video game history? Have you memorized a TV show from front to back? Come to the library and compete in a trivia afternoon all about fandoms in the lead up to Fandom Fest.
Fandom Fest: Mario Game Day
4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10
Celebrate the iconic plumber in coveralls, Mario, with an afternoon of Mario-themed video games. We’ll also have a selection of other video and board games on hand for you to play, or you can bring your own. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and a beverage to enjoy during the event. This event is open to middle school-aged kids.
Fandom Fest: Movie & Trivia
2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Celebrate Fandom Fest by testing your Spidey-knowledge while watching a feature film. All teens attending will receive a collectible cup filled with treats to enjoy during the movie. The trivia winner will receive a special spider-themed prize and be declared East County Regional Library’s teen fandom champion. For teens ages 12-18 years. Movie rated PG.
Kids Read Down Fines
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Dec. 14
Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card.
Teen Thursday: Winter Craft
2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
Create an ornament or gift for the holidays using a variety of materials from fabric to paint, beads to buttons. Your handmade creation will be the hit of the holiday season. Open to high-school aged patrons.
Family Movie
11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
When a penguin is born, his family discovers he can’t carry a tune but he can tap dance something fierce. Patrons are welcome to bring their own snacks and covered drinks to the movie. Movie title is subject to change. Rated PG.
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.
