Latest happenings at the Stanislaus County libraries
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 CROCHET CLASSES ▪ Ongoing
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.
STAY AND PLAY ▪ Ongoing
After Story Time on Thursdays. Music, movement, and sensory play. 10:30 a.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIMES ▪ Ongoing
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.
WIGGLE WORMS ▪ Ongoing
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.
CITIZENSHIP BASICS AND THE INTERVIEW PROCESS ▪ May 16
Part of a series of free monthly naturalization programs and events. A representative from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will give an overview of what it takes to become a citizen. Spanish translation will be available. Registration is required. 6 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
YOGA WITH ROSA ▪ May 17
Some yoga mats will be available for use, however recommend is bring your own. 11 a.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.
MAGNETS AND ELECTRICITY ▪ May 17
Conduct experiments with magnets and learn about magnetic levitation. You can also build electric circuits to create an electromagnetic field. This program is for ages 10-14. 3 p.m. Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Ave. 209-664-8006.
TROPICAL FRUIT TASTING ▪ May 17
Tantalize the taste buds with a tropical fruit tasting. Children are invited to taste tropical fruit which may be new to them. 3:30 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St. 209-862-2010.
ANGRY BIRDS ▪ May 17
Join us as we celebrate the upcoming movie release of “Angry Birds” with a variety of themed activities. You can build and knock down towers made out of cardboard boxes, as well as make a catapult to take home. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
EXCEL INTERMEDIATE ▪ May 17
Continuation of Excel Basics and will teach additional basic functions of Excel. Advance registration is required. 6 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
FAMILY DINNER AND MOVIE NIGHT: WRECK-IT RALPH ▪ May 17
Children and their families can enjoy a family-friendly movie and picnic dinner at the library. Children can come in their pajamas. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket to sit on. The library will provide a beverage and popcorn. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
BIRD MOBILE ▪ May 18
Create a bird mobile out of recycled CDs. 3:30 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.
WOVEN CRAFT STICK BUTTERFLIES ▪ May 18
Kids will learn how to weave colorful yarn around craft sticks and make butterflies. 3:30 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.
MODESTO LEGO DAY ▪ May 18
Children 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.
COMPUTER BASICS ▪ May 19
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. 10:30 a.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
CROCHET CLASS ▪ May 19
Prithika Singh teaches basic crochet techniques. Take your own crochet hooks. Yarns will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own. 1 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.
E-MAIL BASICS ▪ May 19
This workshop teaches you the basics of creating and sending an email. You will need to have created your email account prior to the beginning of class. Advance registration is required. 1:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
FLOWER POWER ▪ May 19
Come make flower crafts and plant miniature flower gardens. 2-5 p.m. Hughson Library, 2412 3rd St. 209-883-2293.
SPAGHETTI AND MARSHMALLOW TOWERS ▪ May 19
Will you build an Eiffel Tower or a Leaning Tower of Pisa? Each child will be able to construct a tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows. Take your tower home or knock it down 3:30 p.m. Empire Library, 18 South Abbie St. 209-524-5505.
CERES LEGO DAY ▪ May 18
Children build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 3:30 p.m. Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St. 209-537-8938.
MAGNETS AND ELECTRICITY ▪ May 17
Conduct experiments with magnets and learn about magnetic levitation. You can also build electric circuits to create an electromagnetic field. This program is for ages 10-14. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
ENGINEERING SPACE ▪ May 23
Learn about space exploration in this fun STEAM* program. During this program, children will discuss Mars rovers and will have the opportunity to build a model rover or space shuttle. For ages 10-14. Advanced registration is required. 4 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
CITIZENSHIP BASICS AND THE INTERVIEW PROCESS ▪ May 23
Part of a series of free monthly naturalization programs and events. Information on the written component of the naturalization test. Attendees will learn about the many resources available to help them develop an understanding of U.S. History and civics. Registration is required. 6 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
BUILD A REMOTE-CONTROL VEHICLE ▪ May 24
Children will make a remote-control vehicle. Recommended for ages 10-14. Advance registration required. 4 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
PRENATAL YOGA ▪ May 24
Prenatal yoga is a body-mind workout for pregnant woman. It combines strengthening exercises to help relax the mind, reduce stress, and minimize body aches. It can also give you the opportunity to bond with other expecting mothers. Please bring a mat and a blanket. 11 a.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.
SUMMER READING FUN ▪ May 24
Get a jump on the Summer Reading Challenge by making jumping frogs at the library. While you are at the library, sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win fun prizes just for reading. 3 p.m. Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Ave. 209-664-8006.
GAME DAY FOR TEENS ▪ May 24
Teens are invited to play board games at the library. A snack will be provided. 3:30 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St. 209-862-2010.
TURLOCK LEGO DAY ▪ May 24
Children build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
SALIDA LEGO DAY ▪ May 24
Children build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
GIANT GAME DAY ▪ May 25
Kick off the Summer Reading Challenge with a big round of big games at the library. We'll have giant versions of classics like Jenga, Tic Tac Toe, Dominos, and more. 3:30 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.
PATTERSON LEGO DAY ▪ May 25
Children build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 3:30 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.
SNAP CIRCUITS ▪ May 25
During this STEAM program, children will assemble electrical circuits to power a voice changer and other fun toys. This program is for ages 10-14. Advanced registration is required. 4 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
SENIOR AWARENESS DAY ▪ May 26
Senior citizens are invited to stop by the Modesto Library to learn about the resources that are available to them. Representatives from organizations/programs like CalFresh, Catholic Charities, HICAP, and others will be on hand to answer questions and help with enrollment into programs. Visit booths along the library's portico to learn about free resources while enjoying light refreshments and a free raffle. 8:30-11:30 a.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
OAKDALE LEGO DAY ▪ May 26
Children build LEGO displays for the library. Children under 4 must have direct adult supervision. 3:30 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.
PAPER AIRPLANE DAY ▪ May 26
Celebrate National Paper Airplane Day. Children may use various types of paper, decals, and other craft supplies to create custom paper airplanes. All materials will be provided. 3:30 p.m. Empire Library, 18 South Abbie St. 209-524-5505.
BE CREATIVE WITH SPIN ART ▪ May 26
Using Spin Art machines, children will be able to use paint to make artistic creations. All materials will be provided by the library. 3:30 p.m. Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St. 209-537-8938.
SNAP CIRCUITS ▪ May 26
During this STEAM program, children will assemble electrical circuits to power a voice changer and other fun toys. This program is for ages 10-14. Advanced registration is required. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
MAGNETS AND ELECTRICITY ▪ May 26
Conduct experiments with magnets and learn about magnetic levitation. You can also build electric circuits to create an electromagnetic field. This program is for ages 10-14. 4 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
SUMMER READING KICK-OFF EVENT ▪ May 28
Join us on the grass outside the library for fun and games at our second annual Summer Reading Kick-off event. In keeping with our "Read for the Win" theme, we will have field events for the kids, a craft station, and light snacks while they last. 10 a.m.-noon. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
COLOR YOURSELF CALM: COLORING FOR GROWN UPS ▪ May 28
Adults can benefit greatly from the calming effects of coloring. Let us help you relax and de-stress with a day of coloring, conversation, and refreshments. We will provide coloring sheets designed for adults, as well as colored pencils and crayons. 1-3 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
INTERNET BASICS ▪ May 31
This workshop will introduce you to the Internet and the World Wide Web and teach you how to search on the Web. Advance registration is required. 10:30 a.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.
KUMIHIMO BRAIDING ▪ May 31
Learn Japanese Kumihimo loom braiding. Materials will be provided. Advanced registration is required as space is limited to 12 participants. This program is geared for teens and tweens. 3 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.
BEDMATH MATH: MARCH OF THE STUFFED ANIMALS ▪ May 31
Parade in your PJs and have fun playing with numbers. Bring your favorite stuffed animal to be counted in the Crazy Creature Census. Solve stuffed animal tangram puzzles. Bring home colorful stickers and games. 4 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
PICTURE FRAME CRAFT ▪ May 31
Make picture frames using craft sticks and sport stickers to showcase your favorite photo or art work. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
Compiled by Pat Clark
This story was originally published May 13, 2016 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Latest happenings at the Stanislaus County libraries."