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 with Friends Tournament for Teens & Adults
Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3
In honor of retired Friends President Mr. Green’s service to the East County Regional Library, the Friends group presents the inaugural Dewitt Green Chess Tournament and Education Day. The chess tournament will be hosted from 1-4 p.m. in the meeting room and is intended for teens and adults ages 12 and up. Space is limited to 24. Register for the tournament online. Remaining open positions will be available for sign up in person from noon to 1 p.m. on tournament day. The tournament will consist of three rounds of 50-minute games. Judges on-site determine the winners. A light luncheon will be provided from 12-1 p.m., while supplies last.
Let’s Play: Chess & More
3 p.m. Monday, May 5, 12, 19
Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages. 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 is available the first Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m.
Hurricane Preparedness with Lee County Emergency Management
2 p.m. Friday, May 9
Join Lee County Emergency Management for an informative session on Hurricane Preparedness. Learn critical tips and strategies to protect your home, family and community when disaster strikes. From creating survival kits to understanding evacuation routes, this program will equip you with the knowledge you need to face the season with confidence.
East County Craft Club: Thimble Charms
2 p.m. Saturday, May 10
Create thimble charms to adorn keychains or necklaces. Crafters will choose a thimble and its adorning beads and charm and put them together for a handmade piece. Registration is required. This program is intended for ages 18 and up. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into program.
Book Discussion: End of Year Discussion
3:30 p.m. Monday, May 12
This is the last book discussion until October 2025. Join us to suggest titles for the group to read and to discuss your favorite titles from the past year.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 28
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.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, May 15
Receive personalized help downloading eBooks, eAudioBooks, movies, music and more from Libby/OverDrive and hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest 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 preferred, charged device (tablet, phone, e-reader, etc.) along with any passwords needed to download apps. 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.
Children’s Programs
Chess with Friends for Children
10 a.m. – Noon Saturday, May 3
In honor of retired Friends President Mr. Green’s service to the East County Regional Library, the Friends group presents the inaugural Dewitt Green Chess Tournament and Education Day. Children start the day with education and friendly chess play. Light snacks provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library while supplies last. This program is intended for ages 12 and under.
Let’s Play: Chess & More
3 p.m. Monday, May 5, 12, 19
Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages. 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 is available the first Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m.
Mystery Craft Redo
6 p.m. Monday, May 5
Want to recreate a favorite craft or explore one that you missed? Families with children through age 5 years are welcome to sample a variety of favorite crafts from recent storytimes.
Build-It: Flowers & Trees
4 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
Use your imagination to build. Create flowers and trees using engineering toys like Brain Flakes, LEGO and more and we’ll put your 3D design on display for viewing. This program is intended for children ages 5-11 years. Can’t make it? Stop by Youth Services and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Preschool Prom
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7
It’s time for preschoolers and caregivers to put on their dancing shoes and go to Prom. Families with children through age 5 years are invited to dance, sing and play with friends. Prom dress up is encouraged but not required.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, 28
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, May 10
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, May 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.
STEAM Team
11 a.m. Saturday, May 17
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.
Teen Programs
Teen Thursday: Senior Celebration
2 p.m. Thursday, May 1
Let’s celebrate all of our graduating high school seniors with a fun afternoon filled with a variety of games and activities. Show your love for your classmates as they prepare to move on to the next step. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Chess with Friends for Teens
1 p.m. Friday, May 2
In honor of retired Friends President Mr. Green’s service to the East County Regional Library, the Friends Group presents the inaugural Dewitt Green Chess Tournament and Education Day. Join the East County Regional Library Friends group for a teen program with chess instruction and play. This is an informal program intended for teens to socialize and interact while participating in friendly and educational chess play. Members of the Friends of the East County Regional Library will host pizza and light refreshments while supplies last. All food must stay in the meeting room. Intended for ages 12-18 years.
Chess with Friends Tournament for Teens & Adults
Noon – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3
In honor of retired Friends President Mr. Green’s service to the East County Regional Library, the Friends group presents the inaugural Dewitt Green Chess Tournament and Education Day. The chess tournament will be hosted from 1-4 p.m. in the meeting room and is intended for teens and adults ages 12 and up. Space is limited to 24. Register for the tournament online. Remaining open positions will be available for sign up in person from noon to 1 p.m. on tournament day. The tournament will consist of three rounds of 50-minute games. Judges on-site determine the winners. A light luncheon will be provided from 12 – 1 p.m., while supplies last.
Let’s Play: Chess & More
3 p.m. Monday, May 5, 12, 19
Calling gaming enthusiasts of all ages. 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 is available the first Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m.
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, 28
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.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 14, 21, 28
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, May 10
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 Life Hacks: Plan, Shop & Save
2 p.m. Thursday, May 8
Learn to create healthy meals while saving money at the grocery store. Kristen Pannone, a former family and consumer science teacher, will help teens take the guesswork out of meal planning by showing them how to create (and stick to) a weekly food budget. She’ll also share smart shopping strategies to save money, recipes to make simple, no-bake healthy snacks and tips to make meals last. Open to high school students only. Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot.
Teen Life Hacks: Art Therapy
2 p.m. Thursday, May 15
When your feelings don’t fit into words, art is there to help give them shape. Unwind and decompress after school with board-certified art therapist Reina Lombardi, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMHC-QS. She will lead you through creating your own self-affirmation cards as you discuss the power of positive self-talk. Open to high school students only. Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15
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.
Teen Life Hacks: Resume + Interview 101
2 p.m. Thursday, May 22
Take the anxiety out of writing a resume or preparing for a first-time interview by learning basic strategies and tips to help put your best foot forward. Open to high school students only. Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot.
Middle School Game Day
4 p.m. Tuesday, May 27
Game on, middle 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 your own games to play and food and covered drinks to enjoy. This event is open grades 6-8.
Teen Life Hacks: Yoga Zenpreneur
2 p.m. Thursday, May 29
Give yourself a place to breathe, relax and learn a new skill. Certified yoga instructor, Miranda Sexton will guide you through yoga poses and mediation techniques to learn healthy ways to calmly react to stressful situations. Miranda will also discuss her career path to yoga, how she built her business and what you need to know to start your own business too. Did we mention that there would also be bunnies? Open to high school students only. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel and a water bottle to participate. Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot.
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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