Next month’s roster of activities at East County Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:
Adult Programs
Book Discussion: “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1
Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Registration is requested.
Chess Anyone?
4 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Rise to the chess challenge and join the fun. Chess enthusiasts of all ages are welcome. Bring your own chess set or use one of ours. Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library.
English Café
6 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.
Intermediate Computer Skills
10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2
A technology instructor will cover a variety of topics including identifying keyboard shortcuts, using the control panel, removing programs, backing up files and more. Registration is required.
There’s a (Library) App for That!
11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2: e-books and Audio e-books
11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9: Music, Movies & More
Learn about some of the free apps you can use to take library content on the go. Class participants should bring their app-enabled mobile device and know their library card information to get the most out of this class. Registration is required.
Writers’ Workshop
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2
Join local writers as they meet each month to practice, share and discuss various literary art forms. Meetings may vary to include classes, speakers and readings. All are welcome. Registration is required.
Beginning Computer Skills
Part 1: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5
Part 2: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12
Part 3: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19
A technology instructor will cover a variety of topics including using a mouse, establishing an email account and using library online resources. Attendees MUST give 24 HOUR cancellation notice to allow others on the waiting list to attend. Registration is required.
I Can Do That! – Valentine’s Day Craft
2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6
Create a gift for your Valentine, using special sponging and puff-puff techniques. Plus, a surprise angel just might accompany the project. Local crafter, Bonnie, will give you the tools and guidance needed to say, “I Can Do That!”
Word and Excel Basics
10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9
A technology instructor will provide a basic introduction to Word and Excel for new users. Learn how to create and save documents, format pages, change fonts and create basic spreadsheets. Registration is required.
Playwright’s Workshop
2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9
Lehigh Acres own accomplished playwright, Chuck Wood, will host a workshop for all those interested in composing plays from page to stage. Wood’s plays have earned him various awards, including the Naples Players annual one-act play playwriting competition and the annual Clarence “Bud” Jones playwriting competition. Registration is required.
Chair Yoga
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Local registered Yoga instructor Janelle teaches the basics of yoga from the comfort of a chair. This gentle introduction to the practice is suitable for all ages and experience levels. Registration is required.
Financial Empowerment Series: Boosting Your Credit
10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16
This 30-minute seminar presented by Fifth Third Bank will teach you how to establish and maintain good credit and simple ways to improve your credit score. A 30-minute Q&A session will follow. Registration is required.
Social Media Basics
10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16
A technology instructor will teach essential skills to make use of today’s top social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Skype. Registration is required.
Knitting Nook
5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16
A casual, self-guided group of knitters and crocheters share ideas, techniques and projects. Attendees should bring their own projects. Basic supplies available for newcomers. Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library.
Latino Heritage and Genealogy
9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
Join local genealogy expert, Bryan Mulcahy, as he walks patrons through the steps needed to trace their Latino heritage. This free and informative workshop will offer insight for all levels of researchers, and will include information on creating a family tree, searching and organizing records, collecting oral histories and more.
Download Drop-in
11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22
Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music, and more from the library’s online library. Bring your tablets, phones, e-readers and other digital devices for a hands-on help session. Registration is required.
Rock Around The Clock
3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie down as Dave Kilbride takes music lovers of all ages on a tuneful journey through the hits of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Registration is required.
Storytime
Toddler Tales
10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, 10, 17
This interactive and active time for toddlers and their favorite caregiver is designed to advance pre-reading and social skills. They’ll experience storytelling, wordplay, felt board stories, fingerplays, puppets, singing, music-making, socializing, dancing and, of course, books.
Preschool Storytime
10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17
Your preschooler will continue to build relationships with other kids, books and the library in a storytime designed specifically for them. The stories and activities are more complex, but just as fun.
Baby Rhyme Time
10 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18
During this special storytime, you and your baby will learn new nursery rhymes and fingerplays, interact with puppets, sing, read books and dance.
Family Storytime
10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18
11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays and stories.
Children’s Programs
Valentine Drop-In Craft
2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Make a fun and simple craft to give to your valentine.
Celebrate Presidents Day
2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15
Nominate and vote for your favorite book character. Play some colonial era games and make a patriotic wreath and Abe Lincoln mask.
Kids Read Down Fines
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24
3 – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Children and teens earn a $2 coupon or credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials.
Teen Programs
How to Make a Graphic Novel
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2
Waddy Padilla will give a presentation on how to make your own graphic novel and get it published. For middle school and high school students.
Writers’ Workshop
6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2
Join local writers as they meet each month to practice, share and discuss various literary art forms. Meetings may vary to include classes, speakers and readings. All are welcome. Registration is required.
Tween Saturdays
1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6
Use air-dry clay to make your own creation, just in time for Valentine’s Day. For grades 5-8. Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library.
DIY Teen Crafts
2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 8
Perler beading returns to the library, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library.
East County Anime Club
4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 9, 23
For teens and tweens interested in anime, manga and Japanese culture.
Wii and Board Games
2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16
A variety of Nintendo Wii games and board games are available in this drop in program. First come, first served.
Kids Read Down Fines
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24
3 – 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Children and teens earn a $2 coupon or credit for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Credit may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only and applies only to charges on overdue materials.
The East County Regional Library is located at 881 Gunnery Road in Lehigh Acres. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at (239) 533-4200. A sign language interpreter is available with 5 business days notice to library staff.
Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at (239) 479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.