The Ceres and Hughson library branches are hosting special events this month designed to foster interest in reading but also offer persons of all ages fun activities aimed at community connection.
CERES LIBRARY
Story times
The Ceres Library will offer Story Times at 10:30 a.m. on all Tuesdays in June. Story Time features books, stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, and more. It is designed for children under 5 to participate with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Immediately following the events will be the 11 a.m. Wee Move & Play for a half hour of music, movement, and play. Children can enjoy unstructured play while socializing.
Straw Mosaic craft
Participants will glue different lengths of colorful straw to a canvas to make mosaic art at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
Teens seeking adventure may want to slay a dragon or maybe save a town from a horde of goblins when they play Dungeons & Dragons at the Ceres Library at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 8.
Players will learn team-building and problem-solving skills while engaging their imaginations in a safe, collaborative environment. Participants aged 13 to 18 need not provide anything but an open mind and a quest for fun.
Composting with Worms
At 1 p.m. on Monday, June 8, the Ceres Library will present “Vermicomposting: Composting with Worms with the Master Gardeners.”
Participants will learn how to turn food scraps into garden gold. Meet red wiggler worms, see a live worm hotel, and learn how to start composting at home. The event, which is perfect for families, is sponsored by UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County.
Family STEAM*: Stop-Motion LEGO Creations
At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, team up with your friends or family (teams of two to three members are ideal) and build LEGO creations using the library’s LEGO blocks. Then, learn how to bring them to life with stop-motion video using one of the library’s iPads. What stories will creations tell?
This program works best for those ages 5 and up, but all ages are welcome. Registration is required by calling 209-537-8938.
LEGO Day
The library will host Ceres LEGO Days at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO creations using the library’s LEGO and Duplo blocks. This program helps young ones develop critical thinking skills, and teaches basic engineering concepts. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
‘Read to a Dog’
Independent readers up to age 12 are invited to practice their reading skills with the “Read to a Dog” program at 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at the Ceres Library. This program is designed to help children gain confidence in their reading skills by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. Register in-person at the Ceres Library or call 209-537-8938 as space is limited.
DIY Stress Ball
Create a unique stress ball by decorating a balloon and filling it with either rice or cornstarch. This event will take place at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 15.
Diamond Painting for Adults
Diamond painting is a great stress-relieving activity for people of any artistic ability. Join the library at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 to unwind, learn the craft, and produce your own masterpiece. All materials will be supplied. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ceres Library.
Paper Chain Village craft
At 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, a craft will be offered in which participants can fold and cut paper in a special way to make paper houses, trees and people to create paper villages. The event is also sponsored by Friends of the Ceres Library.
Ceres Game Day
Bring family and friends to play a wide assortment of games, including chess, Jenga, Sorry!, Connect Four, and much more at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 22. This event is intended for all ages.
Beginning Gardening for Kids
Children can learn about “Reducing, Reusing, Recycling” in a garden at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. The class is presented by “master gardener” Manjeet Dosanjh.
3D Pens at the Ceres Library
Learn how to use a 3D Pen at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. Learn basic safety and handling techniques and make creations using patterns or your own original design. All materials will be supplied. This program is designed for ages nine and older. Registration is required by calling the Ceres Library at 209-537-8938.
Craft Stick Picture Frame
At 4 p.m. on Monday, June 29, create simple frames for artwork or photographs out of craft sticks. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Ceres Library.
The Ceres Library is located at 2250 Magnolia Street. Hours are 12 noon to 8 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and closed Fridays and Sundays. For more information, visit https://www.stanislauslibrary.org/ or call 209-537-8938.
HUGHSON LIBRARY
Hughson Summer Reading Kickoff
The Summer Reading Challenge has begun, and to celebrate, the Hughson Library will be hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 where participants may drop in and get assistance signing up for this all-ages challenge on Beanstack, or pick up a paper log.
While you’re at the library, readers of all ages are invited to pick up a free book (one per reader) while supplies last, and decorate a bookmark to use in your summer reading adventures.
LEGO Day
The library will host Hughson LEGO Day: Summer Edition at 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4. Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO design spaceships, droids, rockets, or whatever creation imagined. This program helps young ones develop critical thinking skills, and teaches basic engineering concepts. Children under 4 are welcome, but must have direct parental supervision.
Discover Mexico: Papel Picado
At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, learn about traditional Mexican folk art and create your own paper decorations.
Discover the Netherlands: Windmills & Tulips
Frolic through the fields of the Netherlands and make windmills and paper flowers at the Hughson Library at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.
Composting with Worms
At 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, the Hughson Library will present “Vermicomposting: Composting with Worms with the Master Gardeners.”
Participants will learn how to turn food scraps into garden gold. Meet red wiggler worms, see a live worm hotel, and learn how to start composting at home. The event is perfect for families.
The event is sponsored by UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County.
Discover India: Rangoli Sand Art
Use colorful sand to make a design in the style of traditional Indian art at this activity set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23 at the Hughson Library.
Story times
The Hughson Library will offer Story Times at 10 a.m. on all Wednesdays in June. Story Time features books, stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, and more. It is designed for children under 5 to participate with their caregivers, but all ages are welcome. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Immediately following the four events will be the 10:30 a.m. Wee Move & Play for a half hour of music, movement, and play. Children can enjoy unstructured play while socializing.
Bingo
Join the Hughson Library at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 24 for free and fun Bingo for all ages, with prizes for winners.
The Hughson library branch is located at 2412-A Third Street in Hughson and is open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays and Sundays).
All county libraries will close on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth.
