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
Chess Anyone?
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Book Discussion: “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann
3:30 p.m. Monday, July 1
In the 1920s, the Osage found themselves in a unique position among Native Americans tribes. As other tribal lands were parceled out in an effort by the government to encourage dissolution and assimilation of both lands and culture, the Osage negotiated to maintain the mineral rights for their corner of Oklahoma. It proved a savvy move; soon countless oil rigs punctured the dusty landscape, making the Osage very rich. And that’s when they started dying.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 16, 30
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.
English Café
6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 24
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that join together 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: Winter in July
2 p.m. Saturday, July 13
This month crafters will make a no-sew throw blanket. Participants will select pre-measured fleece and then cut and tie the edges to make a warm and cozy throw blanket perfect for a hot summer day in air conditioning. Registration required. This program is intended for ages 18 years and up. Attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Summer Movie Series
1 p.m. Saturday, July 20
A classic tale about four young swashbucklers in 17th-century France. Rated PG. Light refreshments will be available.
BARD Drop-In Session
11 a.m. Monday, July 22
Registered users of BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download, can get personalized assistance and learn how to access books, magazines and music materials in audio and electronic braille. Join us for expert guidance on utilizing BARD or BARD Express. Bring your fully charged devices for a hands-on help session. Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps.
Children’s Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 8
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.
Chess Anyone?
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Community Helper Storytime
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 5
For children through age 5 years and their caregivers. Learn about water safety with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They’ll read their favorite adventure story about how to stay safe when making a splash and then children will have the opportunity to try on life vests and complete a fun coloring activity. Parents will also receive helpful water safety information.
Read to the Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, June 8
Join us at the library for reading to dogs. The dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team to help improve the literacy skills of children. Children can read down fines or just develop a love of reading through reading to dogs.
Don’t Try This at Home
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 11
Get ready for a messy, hair-raising, explosive, freezing and dangerous show. This summer reading program will be a unique mix of some of The IMAG’s craziest demonstrations. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required.
Bilingual Storytime and Author Visit
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12
Children and their families are invited to a special storytime. Local authors Yajaida and Michelson Aristhyl will read their book, “La Casita Hispaniola,” a bilingual story that shares the story of a home and family where the cultures of Haiti and the Dominican Republic blend. There will be music, singing and other activities, too.
Magically Ever After
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 18
Spend a magical morning with ChaChing the Amazing Bunny and her best friend, James the Unbelievable. Mixing equal parts imagination, storytelling and magic, “Magically Ever After” is a colorful fun-filled program packed with laughter, silliness and lots of audience participation. For ages 6-11 years.
Community Helper Storytime
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 19
For children through age 5 years and their caregivers. Firefighters with the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District will read a few of their favorite adventure stories during this special storytime event. Children will be able to meet a firefighter in full bunker gear and explore the fire engine.
Joshua J. Superstar Show
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25
The Joshua J. Superstar show fuses side-splitting comedy, nail-biting circus stunts and tons of audience participation. Audiences will be dazzled by his charm, awestruck by his rugged good looks and confused by his overconfidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a living legend in action at this summer reading program. For ages 6-11 years.
Princess Storytime
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 26
Join your favorite island princess as she presents a royal storytime. She will also sing her signature song, provide prince and princess training and be available for photos at the end of the event.
Kids Read Down Fines
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, July 13
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.
Chess Anyone?
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Didgeridoo “Adventure” Down Under
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 9
Join us on an epic adventure to the Land Down Under where we’ll hear otherworldly sounds from the didgeridoo, explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Outback and learn about amazing creatures like kangaroos, koalas and much more. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required.
Preschool Play Date
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10
Children through age 5 years and their caregivers are invited to a special play date. Meet new friends while developing early literacy skills through free play with games, toys and music.
Read to the Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, July 13
Join us at the library for reading to dogs. The dogs are registered therapy animals who volunteer with their owner/handlers as a team to help improve the literacy skills of children. Children can read down fines or just develop a love of reading through reading to dogs.
Professor Universe: Battle of the Body
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 16
When professor Universe is caught stealing the evil plans of his nemesis, he finds himself shrunk down and trapped inside of the body. In this epic tale of virus versus immune system, kids will learn about the fascinating science of the immune system including macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, antibodies and more. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required.
Tiny Tots Mini Golf Adventure
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 17
Calling all junior golfers. Let’s play golf inside the library. For children ages 2-5 years and their caregivers.
Adam’s Animal Encounters for Kids
11 a.m. Tuesday, July 23
Learn more about animals living in Southwest Florida with wildlife biologist Adam Pottruck. This engaging summer reading program gives attendees a better understanding of wildlife management, rescue and conservation. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required.
Bubble Dance Party
11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24
Families with children through age 5 years are invited to dance, sing and play with bubbles.
Teen Programs
Kids Read Down Fines
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 8
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.
Chess Anyone?
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness
11 a.m. Thursday, June 13
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, songs/chants 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. Dress for comfort. For ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
Make a Home Recording Studio
11 a.m. Thursday, June 20
Learn how to start your own home recording studio in this exciting summer reading program. We’ll cover room layout and basic sound proofing and acoustic treatment. Then, you’ll learn how to set up and use Digital Audio Workstation software to write and record your own music. Finally, you’ll get to participate in recording your own rap/pop vocals while learning mic and headphone techniques. For ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
Adam’s Animal Encounters for Teens
11 a.m. Thursday, June 27
Teens will have an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals from wildlife biologist Adam Pottruck in this summer reading program. He will also share information on wildlife management, rescue and conservation. For ages 12-18 years.
Kids Read Down Fines
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, July 13
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.
Chess Anyone?
2 – 6 p.m. Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours.
Take the Stage
11 a.m. Thursday, July 11
Try your hand at theater games, improvisations and acting exercises at this summer reading program for teens. Everyone participates without feeling “put on the spot.” We’ll begin with fun and inviting warmup exercises that gradually build to more challenging improvs. For ages 12 – 18 years. Registration is required.
Cooking Matters for Teens
11 a.m. Thursday, July 18
Open to teens ages 12-17 years, Cooking Matters for Teens provides a flexible hands-on lesson to develop a love for cooking and the skills to make healthy food choices. The program includes meal planning tips, activities, handouts, recipes and food tasting. Sorry parents, the sponsoring agency allows this program to be attended only by those 17 and under. Registration is required.
Ancient Pottery for Teens
11 a.m. Thursday, July 25
Teens will dive into the fascinating history of pottery in Florida, engaging in hands-on experiments with Play-Doh or air-dry clay to delve into the art and science of pottery-making and decoration techniques. This summer reading program also explores how pottery serves as a crucial tool for archaeologists to unravel the stories of ancient sites and past Indigenous cultures. For ages 12 – 18 years. Registration is required.
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.
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In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Raphaela Morais-Peroba, 239-533-8782, Florida Relay Service 711, or rperoba@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requester. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.
