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
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Noon – 3 p.m. Monday, June 2
Everyone is invited to join us and celebrate the beginning of this year’s Color Our World summer reading program. Sign up for the READsquared summer reading challenge and enjoy foam party fun, balloon animals, face painting, food trucks and a chance to meet local first responders. Children and teens, ages 18 years and under, will receive a free book while supplies last.
Get Outdoors with Lee County Parks & Rec
2 p.m. Friday, June 6
Join us for an exciting presentation by Lee County Parks and Recreation, where you’ll learn about all the amazing services and amenities available to residents. From scenic parks and boat ramps to summer activities, walking trails and more, there’s something for everyone to explore. Registration is required.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 25
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters that 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: Cigar Box Planters
2 p.m. Saturday, June 14
This month the East County Craft Club will make cigar box planters. Crafters will receive a waterproofed cigar box and create their own botanical art piece using sand, rocks, dirt and small plants. Registration is required. This program is intended for ages 18 and up. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Geocaching
1 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Enjoy geocaching at your library. This event is open to all levels of geocaching experience, from first-timers to experts. Geocaching, a treasure-hunting sport using GPS-enabled devices, is family-friendly and fun. Children under age 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Color Our World: Printmaking Studio
Noon Monday, June 23
Join us and learn how to use Gelli printmaking kits. This method is simple and fun with gorgeous results. Open to adults and teens age 14 years and up.
Children’s Programs
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Noon – 3 p.m. Monday, June 2
Join us and celebrate the beginning of this year’s Color Our World summer reading program. Sign up for the READsquared summer reading challenge and enjoy foam party fun, balloon animals, face painting, food trucks and a chance to meet local first responders. Children and teens, ages 18 years and under, will receive a free book while supplies last.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 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.
Family Game Night
6 p.m. Monday, June 9
Families with children through age 11 years are invited for a fun evening of games. Challenge your friends and family to a game of Connect 4 or Uno or work together to complete a puzzle. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and connect with other families in the community.
Professor Universe: Found in the Stars
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 10
Join us for a fun, playful and interactive experience as Professor Universe explores the wonders of space through stars, blackholes, color changing light and energy. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Kids attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins as space allows.
Princess Storytime
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 11
Join your favorite tower 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. For children through age 5 years.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, June 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 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.
Color Our World Paint Night
6 p.m. Monday, June 16
For families with children through age 11 years. Unleash your inner artist and create a masterpiece. Paint with brushes, sponges, Bubble Wrap or your fingers. Dress for mess.
Magically Ever After: Color Our World
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 17
Spend a magical moment with ChaChing the Amazing Bunny and her best friend, James the Unbelievable. Mixing equal parts imagination, storytelling and magic, Magically Ever After – Color Our World is a colorful, fun-filled program packed with laughter, silliness and lots of audience participation. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Kids attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins as space allows.
Help Me Grow – Books, Balls and Blocks
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 18
For families with children through age 5 years. Children will participate in games and activities while parents complete a screening to ensure that their children are developmentally on track. Parents will also be provided with resources for activities they can do at home with their children. In partnership with Healthy Start of SWFL/Help Me Grow.
Geocaching
1 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Enjoy geocaching at your library. This event is open to all levels of geocaching experience, from first-timers to experts. Geocaching, a treasure-hunting sport using GPS-enabled devices, is family-friendly and fun. Children under age 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Coding with Color
6 p.m. Monday, June 23
Learn to code with color. Families with children through age 11 years will learn and play with Sphero Indi robots.
Colors of Inspiration
11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24
IMAG joins the library to color your world with inspiration, the STEAM way. This exciting science demonstration puts the ART in STEAM and will show you how simple things can transform in surprising ways. For ages 6-11 years. Registration is required and is only guaranteed until the start of the program. Kids attend independently. Parents are welcome to join once the program begins as space allows.
Community Helper Storytime: Lehigh Acres Fire Rescue
11 a.m. Wednesday, June 25
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. For children through age 5 years.
STEAM Team: Colorful Chaos
11 a.m. Saturday, June 28
Calling all tinkerers, creators, makers and inventors. Kids ages 6-11 years are encouraged to join us each month for STEAM Team where we will focus on one or more STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) elements through fun, hands-on activities and experiments. This month we will explore how salt effects painting and explosions of color with lemons.
Teen Programs
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Noon – 3 p.m. Monday, June 2
Join us and celebrate the beginning of this year’s Color Our World summer reading program. Sign up for the READsquared summer reading challenge and enjoy foam party fun, balloon animals, face painting, food trucks and a chance to meet local first responders. Children and teens, ages 18 and under, will receive a free book while supplies last.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, June 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.
Bunny Yoga and Mindfulness
11 a.m. Thursday, June 12
Begin 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. Bring a towel or yoga mat. Dress for comfort. For teens ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
Art with Ocasiocasa
11 a.m. Thursday, June 19
Join us for a mini art workshop with local artists Jeff and Dale Ocasio of Ocasiocasa. Jeff will demonstrate his sculptural techniques with masking tape, share his unique and quirky characters, talk about their journey into art and each student will get to create their own sculpted rose. No experience necessary. For teens ages 12-18 years. Registration is required.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19
SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) is a statewide organization with an active, involved membership of middle and high school students that gives youth a voice to stand up to the tobacco industry. SWAT empowers youth to educate their peers about the manipulative 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.
Geocaching
1 p.m. Saturday, June 21
Enjoy geocaching at your library. This event is open to all levels of geocaching experience, from first-timers to experts. Geocaching, a treasure-hunting sport using GPS-enabled devices, is family-friendly and fun. Children under age 14 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Color Our World: Printmaking Studio
Noon Monday, June 23
Join us and learn how to use Gelli printmaking kits. This method is simple and fun with gorgeous results. Open to adults and teens age 14 years and up.
R.I. Pirate Guy’s Pirate Adventure
11 a.m. Thursday, June 26
Set sail on a magical summer reading adventure with R.I. Pirate Guy, where you become a pirate on the hunt for buried treasure. Learn real life navigational skills with a compass and create your own flag while engaging in pirate games and team building challenges. Welcome aboard if you dare. For teen 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.
