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 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.
MAKING HEALTHY EATING A PART OF YOUR LIFE STYLE ▪ Aug. 29
Join us for a Healthy Aging presentation for seniors on ways to improve food choices and eat a healthy diet. 10:30 a.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
PAPER BAG BACKPACK CRAFT ▪ Aug. 30
Make your own paper bag backpack. Participants will be entered into a drawing for school supplies. 3:30 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.
FAMILY GAME DAY ▪ Aug. 30
Hour of classic board game play. Children 4 and younger must be supervised by an adult. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
GREAT VALLEY MUSEUM: ANIMAL ADVENTURE ▪ Aug. 30
Great Valley Museum presents this hands-on learning experience about different body coverings including fur, skin, and shells. Discover the animals’ similarities and differences, what they eat, how they eat, and their life cycles. This program includes live animals. 4:30 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. 209-543-7353.
TASTY TIPS FOR CAKE DECORATING ▪ Aug. 30
Want to try your hand at decorating cakes and cupcakes like a professional chef? Come to this fun and easy class to learn the basics, plus a few tricks. The class is free and all materials will be supplied. 6:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
MODESTO LEGO DAY ▪ Aug. 31
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.
COMPUTER BASICS ▪ Sept. 1
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.
COME PAINT WITH PUFFY PAINT ▪ Sept. 1
Paint a 3D piece of artwork using special Puffy Pain. All materials will be provided. Children under the age of 4 will require direct parental supervision. 3:30 p.m. Ceres Library, 2250 Magnolia St. 209-537-8938.
SLIME LAB ▪ Sept. 1
Visit our Library Laboratory and learn how to create borax-free slime that will drip and ooze through little scientists’ fingers. This craft is great for sensory play and each child with be able to take their creations home with them. This program is recommended for ages 4 to 12. 3:30 p.m. Empire Library, 18 South Abbie St. 209-524-5505.
A MATTER OF BALANCE ▪ Sept. 2
Designed to help participants manage falls and increase activity levels. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for gentle exercise. Light refreshments will be served. For more or to sign up, call Kim Viviano, Master Trainer 209-523-2800. 10 a.m.-noon. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. 209-558-7800.
OAKDALE LEGO DAY ▪ Sept. 2
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.
HEIRLOOM WINTER GARDEN PROGRAM ▪ Sept. 3
Terry Harper from the Riverbank Heirloom Garden Club will talk about putting in a winter garden. 2 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.
TURLOCK TEENS TALK BOOKS ▪ Sept. 3
Join fellow bibliophiles for monthly book discussions. 3 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
YOGA WITH ROSA ▪ Sept. 6
Yoga is a type of mind-body workout that combines stretching and strengthening exercises with deep breathing for relaxation. Some yoga mats will be available for use, however we recommend that you bring your own. 11 a.m. Patterson Library, 46 N Salado Ave. 209-892-6473.
PERLER BEAD CRAFT ▪ Sept. 6
Teens can create unique designs with Perler Beads. When heat is applied, these colorful beads fuse together, preserving the crafter's design. 3 p.m. Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road. 209-634-1283.
AUTUMN LEAF SUNCATCHERS CRAFT ▪ Sept. 6
Children are invited to the Riverbank Library to create suncatchers out of colorful tissue paper. 3:30 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St. 209-869-7008.
STEAM WORKS: WATERCOLOR ART ▪ Sept. 6
Join us for a reading of “Ish” by Peter Reynolds. After the story, children will have an opportunity to create their own art work using crayons and watercolors. STEAM Works is designed for children in Kindergarten and older; children 4 and under must be supervised by a parent. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 N. Minaret Ave. 209-664-8100.
NAMI CONNECTION RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP ▪ Sept. 6
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. 5 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. 209-847-4204.
Compiled by Pat Clark
This story was originally published August 26, 2016 at 3:22 PM with the headline "At the libraries: Activities for kids and adults abound."