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 – 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 20, 27
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. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing One Night Werewolf.
Book Discussion: “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway
3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6
Share your thoughts on this classic novel about a volunteer ambulance driver wounded on the Italian front during World War I, the beautiful British nurse with whom he falls in love and their journey to find some sanctuary in a world gone mad.
Knit and Stitch
5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 22
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters who 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: Cranberry Orange Candles
2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Join an instructor-led craft class and create seasonally scented cranberry-orange layered candles. Hot elements will be in use. Registration is required. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Download Drop-In
11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16
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.
True Tours Presents Haunted Fort Myers
4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29
A ghost story is the past screaming to be remembered. In Fort Myers, the past never stays quiet for long. From the wandering spirit taking in all First Street has to offer, to the children and their principal at the city’s first school, to the abandoned hotel where tragic souls still stroll from room to room, Fort Myers past is very much alive and ready to show itself if you’re willing to listen. Come along with True Tours and paranormal writer and podcaster Christopher Balzano as he tours buildings you’ve walked by but never knew had a secret to tell by night.
Samhain: Exploring the Celtic Origins of Halloween
11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Learn about Samhain and the fascinating Celtic origins of Halloween with Patti Walsh. Patti is an award-winning local author and presenter who writes middle-grade contemporary fiction inspired by Celtic mythology, as well as adult fiction and nonfiction.
Children’s Programs
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15
For children ages 3-5 years to develop school readiness skills. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby.
Kids Read Down Fines
3 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Oct. 11
Children and teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card.
Middle Grades … Would You Rather?
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Which will you choose and what will your friends say? Meet with staff each week in the Teen Adventureland area where we’ll pose fun “would you rather” and “this or that” questions for you to answer during our interactive discussion. Our weekly question is reserved just for grades 6-8 so we can find out what you really think about things.
STEAM Team: Spooky Science
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4
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 the science behind glow-in-the-dark moon dough and learn how to make expanding jack-o’-lantern balloons. First come, first served. While supplies last.
Let’s Play
2:30 – 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 20, 27
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. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing One Night Werewolf.
Family Storytime
6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 13
10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 14
For children through age 5 years and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.
Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7
Use your imagination to build. Create something unique 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 5-13 years. Can’t make it? Stop by and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Read to Dogs
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
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.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14
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. At the meeting we will announce our September winners and entries for the October drawing will be accepted. Prizes for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens aged 11-18 years.
Costume Bubble Dance Party
6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22
Families with children through age 5 years are invited to dance, sing and play with bubbles. Costumes are not required but strongly encouraged.
Kids Monster Trivia
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21
Match wits with other elementary-aged contestants to see who can guess the spooky monsters. Famous monsters from books, TV and movies will be featured in the trivia questions. Assemble your team beforehand or join one at the event. This program is intended for children ages 5-11 years.
Elementary Pumpkin Patch Dirt Pudding
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28
Make your own edible dirt pudding pumpkin patch. Your cups will be full of chocolate pudding, cookie crumbles, candy corn pumpkins and gummy worms. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. Open to kids in grades K-5.
FALLoween Storytime & Costume Parade
10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
Put on your sparkliest, scariest or silliest costumes and join us for a spooktacular FALLoween storytime. After the storytime and treat bag decorating, all children will be invited to join a costume parade throughout the library and pick up some hauntingly delicious treats. Costumes are encouraged but not required. For children through age 5 years.
Teen Programs
Library Teen Talk
2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
11 a.m. – Noon Saturday, Oct. 11
Children and teens can earn a credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials. Please bring your library card.
Middle Grades … Would You Rather?
4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Which will you choose and what will your friends say? Meet with staff each week in the Teen Adventureland area where we’ll pose fun “would you rather” and “this or that” questions for you to answer during our interactive discussion. Our weekly question is reserved just for grades 6-8 so we can find out what you really think about things.
Teen Thursday: Photo Scavenger Hunt
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2
Pick up your scavenger hunt list from the meeting room, then travel the library looking for the items listed and snap a photo of each. Photos must be of the items, in order, with no intervening photos. Bring your phone/photos back to the meeting room when you’re done for a snack. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Let’s Play
2:30 – 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 20, 27
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. Keep the game going or pick up a different game of your choosing. This month we’re playing One Night Werewolf.
Build-It
6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7
Use your imagination to build. Create something unique 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 5-13 years. Can’t make it? Stop by and build with our materials anytime. We’ll add your creation to our display.
Teen Thursday: High School Karaoke
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9
Flex your skills in a friendly competition against fellow teens to determine who will bring down the house. Sing solo or with friends to win ultimate bragging rights. Sign-up the first 10 minutes of the program. Participants will perform in the order they register. Open to teens aged 12 -18 years.
East County Craft Club: Cranberry Orange Candles
2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11
Join an instructor-led craft class and create seasonally scented cranberry-orange layered candles. Hot elements will be in use. Registration is required. In person attendance closes 15 minutes into the program.
Book Buzz
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14
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. At the meeting we will announce our September winners and entries for the October drawing will be accepted. Prizes for this program have been generously provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Open to tweens and teens aged 11-18 years.
Teen Thursday: Education Fair
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16
Take charge of your future. The East County Regional Library is excited to partner with local colleges and universities this fall to host an education fair just for students. Teens will have the opportunity to discuss their educational goals, learn about various programs available and discover how the admissions process works. Representatives from Florida SouthWestern State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, Keiser University, Fort Myers Technical College, Cape Coral Technical College and more will be in attendance. There’s no better time to explore your options and get the answers to your questions so you can end up at the school of your dreams. Open to teens ages 12 -18 years.
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)
4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16
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 Research 101
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18
This program is intended for high school-aged patrons who want assistance using library databases to complete research papers. A brief overview of Lee County library databases will be given followed by an extensive interactive session where participants performing their own research will be able to ask questions to help achieve the desired results. Please bring your research question, current results and project requirements to this program.
Teen Thursday: Crafternoon – Gel Printing
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23
Use gel plates and acrylic paints to create original works of art. Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own stencils, brushes or found objects to create unique patterns and textures for your prints. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Middle Grades Pumpkin Patch Dirt Pudding
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28
Make your own edible dirt pudding pumpkin patch. Your cups will be full of chocolate pudding, cookie crumbles, candy corn pumpkins and gummy worms. First come, first served. Supplies are limited. Open to kids in grades 6-8.
True Tours Presents Haunted Fort Myers
4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29
A ghost story is the past screaming to be remembered. In Fort Myers, the past never stays quiet for long. From the wandering spirit taking in all First Street has to offer, to the children and their principal at the city’s first school, to the abandoned hotel where tragic souls still stroll from room to room, Fort Myers past is very much alive and willing to show itself if you’re willing to listen. Come along with True Tours and paranormal writer and podcaster Christopher Balzano as he tours buildings you’ve walked by but never knew had a secret to tell by night.
Teen Thursday: Resume Workshop
2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30
Make your next job search a success. Judy Armstrong, assistant supervisor at CareerSource Southwest Florida, will present a workshop on interviewing and resumes. Open to ages 12-18 years.
Teen Movie Day + Food Truck
2:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
Catch a film with friends. Join us for a scary teen movie matinee. The Dawg Pound food truck will be on-site if you would like to purchase refreshments. Open to patrons ages 12-18 years. Rated PG-13. The movie title is subject to change.
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.
