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, March 2, 9, 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, 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 Mario Kart.
Book Discussion: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
3:30 p.m. Monday, March 2
In 1951, scientists took cells from an unsuspecting descendant of freed slaves and created a human cell line that has been kept alive indefinitely, enabling discoveries in such areas as cancer research, in vitro fertilization and gene mapping. Skloot’s award-winning work explores the ethical questions raised by this research, along with the profound personal impact it has had on family members.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 25
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.
The Art of Bonsai
10 a.m. Thursday, March 12
Learn the Japanese art of miniature tree cultivation in this class lead by Richard Owens of the Fort Myers – Lee County Garden Council.
East County Craft Club: Beadable Pens**
2 p.m. Saturday, March 14
This month the East County Craft Club will take on the beadable pen craze. Crafters will receive blank customizable ballpoint pens with matching sets of beads, charms and accessories to make each pen unique. Registration is required. This program is intended for teens and adults. In-person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, March 19
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 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.
All Aboard with LeeTran
10 a.m. Tuesday, March 24
Get ready for a lively session with LeeTran. Learn about Lee County transportation services available in your area, get your questions answered and enjoy a thrilling game of bingo. It’s the perfect mix of information, fun and community connection.
Children’s Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, 9, 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, 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 Mario Kart.
Family Storytime
6 p.m. Monday, March 2, 30
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 31
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.
Build-It: Mighty Monsters
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3
Work together as a family to build something unique using the library’s engineering toys. This month use your imagination to build larger-than-life mighty monsters. Everyone’s finished 3D designs will be displayed in our lobby for the rest of the month. This program is intended for children in grades K-12 with their families. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services as a family to build with our materials anytime we’re open. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4
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.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, March 14
Children and teens with overdue fines can reduce their fine by $2 for every 15 minutes they read during this program. Each child can earn up to a maximum of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to overdue fines on cards issued to patrons under the age of 18 as well as overdue fines for juvenile and teen materials checked out on their behalf on adult cards. Credit earned may only be used for overdue fines. Please bring your library card and check in at youth desk.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10
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 to win. Entries for this month’s Teens Read and Win drawing will be accepted and we will announce our prize winners from last 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.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, March 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 relaxed atmosphere.
Little Coders
6 p.m. Monday, March 16
Learn to code with Sphero robots. Families with children through age 5 years are invited to learn and play together.
Baby Rave
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18
Get ready to move and groove. Babies, toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a dance party with upbeat music, colorful lights and plenty of room to wiggle. Shake, bounce and play in a friendly space designed just for little ones. Don’t forget to wear white to glow bright. This program is for children through age 5 years with their caregiver.
Preschool Playdate
6 p.m. Monday, March 23
Children through age 5 years and their caregivers are invited to a special playdate. Meet new friends while developing early literacy skills through games, toys and music.
Sensory Playdate
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25
There’s a rainbow of fun waiting at the library. We’ll have an assortment of colorful sensory toys, activities and music available to encourage a fun family bonding experience as well as opportunities for children to make new friends. Our Sensory Playdate helps promote both social and motor skills as well as build early literacy skills. For children through age 5 years with their caregiver.
Kids Zap-Free Zone with LCEC
11 a.m. Saturday, March 28
Kids in grades K-5 are invited to check out the LCEC Zap-Free Zone. See electrical arcs and learn ways to stay safe around electricity in this interactive presentation. The Zap-Free Zone is part of the LCEC Energy EmPOWERment Program, which brings electrical safety knowledge to children throughout Southwest Florida.
Elementary Art: Pointillism
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 31
Use Q-tips to place dots of paint on canvas and create art. We will look at some examples of pointillism and then children will be encouraged to create their own masterpiece to take home. Available while supplies last. First come, first served. For kids in grades K-5.
Teen Programs
Let’s Play
2:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, 9, 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, 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. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing Mario Kart.
Build-It: Mighty Monsters
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3
Work together as a family to build something unique using the library’s engineering toys. This month use your imagination to build larger-than-life mighty monsters. Everyone’s finished 3D designs will be displayed in our lobby for the rest of the month. This program is intended for children in grades K-12 with their families. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services as a family to build with our materials anytime we’re open. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Library Teen Talk
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 11, 25
Socialize, make new friends and chat with other teens. While here you’ll be encouraged to share your opinion on a topic like current events, everyday life, library resources and more by staff roaming the space. Responses will be displayed. Open to ages 12 -18 years.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, 25
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, March 14
Children and teens with overdue fines can reduce their fine by $2 for every 15 minutes they read during this program. Each child can earn up to a maximum of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to overdue fines on cards issued to patrons under the age of 18 as well as overdue fines for juvenile and teen materials checked out on their behalf on adult cards. Credit earned may only be used for overdue fines. Please bring your library card and check in at youth desk.
Teen Thursday: Tile Painting Crafternoon
2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5
Decorate your own tile to use as a coaster or wall decoration. Supplies are limited. First come, first served. For ages 12- 18 years.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10
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 to win. Entries for this month’s Teens Read and Win drawing will be accepted and we will announce our prize winners from last 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.
Teen Thursday: High School Game Day
2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12
Game on, high schoolers. We’ll have a selection of board games, video games, card games and more to play at the library. Challenge each other to friendly competitions or relax and catch up over a game of your choosing. You can also bring along your own games to play. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and covered drinks to enjoy during the event. For high school-aged teens in grades 9-12.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19
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: Open Mic Challenge
2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26
Show off your talent. Sing, recite poetry, play an instrument and more as part of our open mic challenge. Not ready to stand up in front of an audience? Support your friends and the other performers as a member of the audience and then vote on your favorite performance at the end of the show. For 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.
