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
Holocaust Museum and the Importance of Holocaust Education
11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5
Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking presentation by the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. This engaging program will explore the enduring importance of Holocaust education and remembrance.
Book Discussion: “Fever Beach” by Carl Hiaasen
3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5
Welcome to Fever Beach, where the sun blazes, the politics are unhinged and the characters are as volatile as a summer storm. Dale Figgo, a dim-witted Proud Boys reject, becomes entangled in a bizarre web of corruption and intrigue involving a hitchhiker, a con artist, an eccentric millionaire and a power-hungry politician.
East County Craft Club: Cranberry Orange Candles
2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10
Participants will create seasonally scented cranberry orange layered candles by marking wicks and practicing the art of the slow pour. Hot elements in use. Registration is required. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 26
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.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 28
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.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
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 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.
Meet the Author: Annabelle Tometich
11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24
Meet award-winning local author Annabelle Tometich as she shares insights and inspiration from her celebrated memoir, “The Mango Tree,” a heartfelt story about her life growing up in Southwest Florida. Ms. Tometich will discuss her writing journey, the themes behind her book and the experiences that shaped her storytelling. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Registration is required.
Children’s Programs
Lego Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6
Construct something unique using Lego and other engineering toys and we’ll put your 3D design 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.
Sensory Playdate: Snow
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7
Join us for a snow-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 family bonding experience and for children to make new friends. For children ages 2-5 years.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Jan. 10
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.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10
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.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 26
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.
Mystery Craft Redo
6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12
Want to re-create a favorite storytime craft or discover one that you missed? Families with children through age 5 years are welcome to sample a variety of favorite crafts from recent storytime programs. While supplies last.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13
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. Entries for this month’s drawing will be accepted and prize winners will be announced. If you can’t make it to the meeting, entries can be turned in at the Young Adult Services Desk throughout the 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.
Firefighter Fun & Safety with Lehigh Acres Fire Rescue
11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17
Firefighters with the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will read a few of their favorite adventure stories during this special event. Children will be able to meet a firefighter in full bunker gear and explore the fire engine. This program is intended for children through age 12 years and their families.
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 27
6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26
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.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 28
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.
Elementary Vision Boards
6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27
Create a vision board to bring your new year’s goals, dreams and aspirations into reality. If you want to bring anything specific to add to your board such as photos, quotes and stickers, please do so. Otherwise, supplies will be provided. For grades K-5.
Teen Programs
Lego Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6
Construct something unique using Lego and other engineering toys and we’ll put your 3D design 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, Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Jan. 10
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.
Normal is Overrated Youth Group
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7
Help end the mental health stigma. Teens are invited to participate in Normal is Overrated, a peer-led youth group designed to help teens feel heard, valued and connected. Guided by mental health professionals from Golisano Children’s Hospital, the group offers a safe, judgment-free space for open conversations and shared experiences. There will be planned activities, snacks and conversations on mental health topics like anxiety, stress, peer pressure and self-care. This program is open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Teen Thursday: Vision Boards
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8
Manifest your goals, dreams and aspirations for 2026 by designing a personalized vision board. Use magazine images provided by the library along with your own powerful descriptors and hand drawings. Snacks provided while supplies last. Can’t make it to the program? Vision board supplies will be available in the young adult area after the event, while supplies last. For ages 12-18 years.
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 26
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, Jan. 13
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. Entries for this month’s drawing will be accepted and prize winners will be announced. If you can’t make it to the meeting, entries can be turned in at the Young Adult Services Desk throughout the 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.
Library Teen Talk
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 21, 28
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.
Teen Thursday: Silent Dance Party
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
Ever walked into a room full of people dancing, but there’s no music playing? Welcome to the magic of a Silent Dance Party. Teens are invited to dance along with a headset and two channels to switch between. Limited supply available. For ages 12-18 years.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
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: Entrepreneurship
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
Financial center manager Leah Wehrle will provide teens information on starting their own business and discuss other aspects of teen entrepreneurship. This program is open to teens ages 12-18 years.
Teen Thursday: Blacklight Bingo
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29
Lights out. It’s time for BinGLOW. Wear your brightest neon clothes for extra glow under the blacklights while we play rounds of Bingo. Prizes will be awarded to the winner(s). Open to ages 12-18 years.
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.
