At the libraries

Here’s our 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.

This program features an hour of music, movement, and sensory play for toddlers and preschoolers. Participants will enjoy unstructured play time that promotes creativity, fine motor development, and collaboration. 11 a.m. Oakdale Library, t 151 S. First Ave. in Oakdale. 209-847-4204.

Shakespeare on Tour will perform its version of “Hamlet,” Shakespeare’s classic tale. Cast will take audience questions after the hour-long performance. 7 p.m. Free. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Celebrate National Cupcake Day by learning how to make a cupcake in a mug at the library. 10 a.m. Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Ave. 209-664-8006.

The Newman Library will offer two seasonal crafts this month, beginning with the Donut Reindeer Food Craft on Tuesday at 6 p.m. All ages can enjoy making reindeer out of mini donuts. The Newman Library is at 1305 Kern St. in Newman. For more information,call 209-862-2010.

A bobblehead snowman ornament is fun to make! This craft is designed for ages 6 and up. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Waterford Library, 324 E St. 209-874-2191.

Speak with a local certified enrollment agent to learn about Covered California and to get one-on-one help with the enrollment process. Open enrollment for Covered California begins on Nov. 1. 4-8 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.

Attorney Julie Richardson will review the basics of estate planning, including a discussion of all of the documents you need, plus other issues to consider. No registration required. 5:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Half-hour program featuring music and fun for toddlers. The library will provide shakers, scarves and more for participants to enjoy. 10:15 a.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.

Children are invited to enjoy crafts and activities inspired by the “Star Wars” series, including making Yoda ears and Princess Leia hair buns. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.

Bring a picnic dinner to a showing of “The Polar Express.” Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket on which to sit, and children may come in pajamas. The library will provide a beverage and popcorn. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.

The Hughson Library will celebrate release of the new “Star Wars” movie with crafts and activities for children at 3 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to build their own lightsabers. The Hughson Library is located at 2412 A Third St. For more information, call 209-883-2293.

Crafters can hand-decorate glass ornaments at the Hughson Library. These crafts are open to all ages. 3 p.m. The Hughson Library at 2412 A Third St. For more information, call 209-883-2293.

The Keyes Library will host Star Wars Day: The Force Awakens at 1 p.m. Children can make foam lightsabers and “Star Wars” pins to celebrate the release of the new movie. Participants can also play a find and seek game to receive a prize. Costumes are welcome, though not required to participate. The Keyes Library is at 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information, call 209-664-8006.

Children can enjoy a LEGO Day at 3 p.m. Finished LEGO creations will be displayed in the library. Children under age 4 are welcome to participate, but must have direct parental supervision. The Keyes Library is located on 4420 Maud Ave. in Keyes. For more information, call 209-664-8006.

The Kids’ Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. Children are invited to bring a book they have read to discuss with a group of their peers. The Kids’ Book Club is designed for children in grades 4 through 8.

The Ceres Library will host an edible holiday craft for children at 3:30 p.m. Children will use graham crackers and assorted treats to make miniature gingerbread houses. The Ceres Library is located at 2250 Magnolia St. in Ceres. For more information, call (209) 537-8938.

The Denair Library will host a “Star Wars” Day at 3 p.m. Several activity stations will be set up in the library, featuring crafts and activities based on the popular movie series. The Denair Library is located at 4801 Kersey Road in Denair. For more information, call 209-634-1283.

The Ten Days of Winter Break program will take place at the Turlock Library. Each day will offer a different activity to promote children’s imagination and creativity. The Turlock Library is located at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information,call 209-664-8100.

Family Story Time, featuring Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth, will take place at the Turlock Library. Families can enjoy stories, music, and fingerplays. The selected stories are intended for 4- to 8-year-olds; however all ages are welcome. The Turlock Library is at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information,call 209-664-8100.

All ages are invited to build with LEGOs at 4 p.m. at the Turlock Library Children under age 4 are welcome to participate, however they must have direct parental supervision. The Turlock Library is at 550 Minaret Ave. in Turlock. For more information,call 209-664-8100.

The library will host an All Ages Coloring Day at 3:30 p.m. Participants will be provided with coloring pages, crayons and markers. Coloring has been shown to reduce stress and promote creativity. The Ceres Library is at 2250 Magnolia St. in Ceres. For more information, call 209-537-8938.

This story was originally published December 11, 2015 at 3:07 PM with the headline "At the libraries."