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, flannel board and puppet stories, finger plays, 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, finger plays and more programs for babies, active toddlers and adult caregivers. Held regularly at most branches; contact individual branches for dates, times and locales.

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.

Local community members and professional actors from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will rehearse and prepare a production of “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

Teens will have the opportunity to decorate mason jars with seasonal charm and flair. Tea lights (battery operated) will be used for illumination. All materials will be provided. 3:30 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St. 209-862-2010.

Teens and adults are invited to make festive book trees by folding small magazines. 3:30 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.

Join us for an hour of classic board game play. Board game play helps teach socialization, sharing, taking turns, and hand-eye coordination. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.

Through hands-on activities, children will explore and describe the properties of objects using their five senses. All ages welcome; designed for children in preschool through first grade. 4:30 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

Local community members and professional actors from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will rehearse and prepare a production of “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

The Mathematics of Music is a fast-paced, hands-on exploration of how math and music are related. Students will be treated to a short concert of Renaissance fanfare music and then taken on a journey of discovery as they learn that what they heard came from the work of mathematical pioneers dating back to the Ancient Greeks. In addition, children will be asked to participate in creating musical sounds themselves and, in the process, gain a better understanding of fractions, proportions and ratios. This program is designed for children in fifth grade and older. 3:30 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

Local community members and professional actors from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will rehearse and prepare a production of “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. 6 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

A basic introduction to computers, including an explanation of the parts of the computer, a tour of Windows and simple tasks. Registration is required. 10:30 a.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 parental supervision. 1:30 p.m. Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St. 209-537-8938.

Budding engineers will have a blast creating candy trains. Children of all ages will use suckers, candy bars and other sweets to create these tasty trains. Each participant can customize the face of their train. All materials will be supplied. 3:30 p.m. Empire Library, 18 South Abbie St. 209-524-5505.

Adults and teens can create their own holiday cards using rubber stamps and colored pencils. 1 and 3 p.m. Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Ave. 209-664-8006.

Coloring isn’t just for children! Coloring has been shown to be a stress reliever for adults. Library will supply paper, colored pencils and crayons and an assortment of designs. You are welcome you to bring your own coloring materials. 1 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St. 209-862-2010.

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

Local community members and professional actors from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will rehearse and prepare a production of “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. 11 a.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

Make a variety of Pinterest-inspired gifts for family and friends. Ages 16 and up. Noon. Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road. 209-634-1283.

Parents will learn about three simple literacy practices and how to incorporate them into daily routines. Recommended for parents of children ages up to 5. 10:30 a.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.

Celebrate International Ninja Day. If you miss the craft, drop by the library Dec. 5-9 to find the ninja hiding in the Children’s Room. 3:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Local community members and professional actors from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will rehearse and prepare a production of “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

A basic introduction to computers, including an explanation of the parts of the computer, a tour of Windows and simple tasks. Registration is required. 10:30 a.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

Come take part in a free yoga program with Rosa, our bilingual yoga instructor. 11:30 a.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.

Create your very own marshmallow snowman. 3 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St. 209-862-2010.

Create a paper bag ninja. Can’t make it to the craft? Stop by Dec. 6-9 to find the ninja hiding in the library. 3 p.m. Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road. 209-634-1283.

Join us for a fun and educational Story Time about clouds. Learn about clouds, rain and more during our rainy day science activity. 3:30 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.

Join us for a winter tale and an opportunity to make snow using baking soda and shaving cream. Children 4 and younger must have parental supervision. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.

Enjoy this special architecture-themed STEAM program. Following a story, children can enjoy activities including constructing different houses and testing their strengths, crafting gingerbread-style houses, and building with Legos. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. 4:30 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.

Local community members and professional actors from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will rehearse and prepare a production of “Twelfth Night,” one of Shakespeare’s great comedies. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

This story was originally published November 25, 2016 at 11:42 AM with the headline "At the libraries: Activities for kids and adults abound."