At the libraries: Activities for kids and adults abound

A weekly glance at the many programs for children and adults offered by the Stanislaus County Library system’s 13 branches. Some programs are ongoing, others are special events and all are free and open to the public:

Knitting and crocheting help for beginners or those needing help with a special project. 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Waterford Library, 324 E St. 209-874-2191.

After Story Time on Thursdays. Music, movement, and sensory play. 10:30 a.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

New and classic picture books, flannelboard and puppet stories, fingerplays, music and dancing, all for preschoolers aged 3-5 and their caregivers. Held regularly at most branches; contact individual branches for dates, times and locales.

Storybooks, lap bounces, music, dancing, rhythm activities, fingerplays and more at programs for babies, active toddlers, and adult caregivers. Held regularly at most branches; contact individual branches for dates, times and locales.

A basic introduction to computers, including an explanation of the parts of the computer, a tour of Windows, and simple tasks. Advance registration is required. 10 a.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

All are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the Friends of the Oakdale Library. 1:30 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

Magician Shawn Durham encourages reading and and will amaze audiences with magic. This show is open to all ages, geared to preschool age children and older. 4 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.

This workshop is a continuation of Excel Basics and will teach you additional basic functions of Excel. Advance registration is required. 10 a.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

This month the book club will discuss “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi. 11:30 a.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

Never lose you place again! Make a bookmark out of felt. 3 p.m. Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road. 209-634-1283.

Join us at the Riverbank Library and share your love of books! The book club will discuss “Sunday's Silence” by Gina B. Nahai. 4 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO creations. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

Come in your favorite costume or dress just as you are to march through the library collecting fun treats. 10:30 a.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Make juggle eyeballs. All materials will be provided. 2-5 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.

Visit the library to craft Frankenstein's monster. Kids under 4 require parental supervision. 3 p.m. Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road. 209-634-1283.

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library. LEGO play helps children develop fine motor skills. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 3:30 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 3:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

“Python Ron” McGee will bring his favorite lizards and snakes to the library for a creepy crawly good time. This educational, hands-on show-and-tell is open to all ages and is perfect for grade school children. 4 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

We will provide small pumpkins, paint, and decorating materials. Feel free to bring your own additional pumpkins to decorate. Registration is required. 5 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Join us as we set out various crafts with a spooky theme. Make a spider or ghostly lollipop, decorate a foam jack-o-lantern or a haunted house. All ages are welcome. 3:30 p.m. Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St. 209-537-8938.

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have adult supervision. 3:30 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St. 209-862-2010.

Create a customized superhero mask. Library will provide the craft materials. This program is open to superheroes of all ages. 3:30 p.m. Empire Library, 18 South Abbie St. 209-524-5505.

Magician Shawn Durham encourages reading and and will amaze audiences with magic. This show is open to all ages, geared to preschool age children and older. 4 p.m. Hughson Library, 2412 3rd St. 209-883-2293.

Designed for ages 9-12. Join us to discuss your favorite books and participate in fun games and activities. This month’s book club selection is “The Graveyard Book,” Newbery Award-winning novel by Neil Gaiman. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 3 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

Join us for a Halloween Story Time followed by a parade (costumes optional) throughout the library and a sweet treat. 1 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

Poets Rosa Lane, Nina Lindsay, and Modesto poet laureate Stella Beratlis will read from their published works. Stay after the reading for a Q&A and book signing. 2 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Participants can make a Halloween craft, play games, and Trick-or-Treat. 3:15 p.m. Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Ave. 209-664-8006.

Kids are invited to come in costume to the Riverbank Library and join in the fun! Make spooky origami ghosts and bats, mummy piñatas and monster shakers. Light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Riverbank Library. 3-4:30 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.

Celebrate Halloween with crafts, games, and trick or treat goodies for costumed kids of all ages. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Waterford Library, 324 E St. 209-874-2191.

This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 2:53 PM with the headline "At the libraries: Activities for kids and adults abound."