February library events in Ceres and Hughson will help readers of all ages with fun activities aimed at encouraging literacy and community connection.

Stranger Things: Escape the Upside Down

The Ceres Library will host a “Stranger Things: Escape the Upside Down” activity on Saturday, Feb. 7 between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. As a member of the Hawkins MS AV club, you are distraught to hear that your friend Will has gone missing. You and the remaining members of the party find yourselves in the Byers’ house, where you discover a police file along with a strange, locked box that you realize contains the mysterious portal between you and Will. Upon closer examination of the evidence in the file, you realize that Will is trying to communicate with you from the Upside Down. Can you decipher his messages, solve puzzles, and get him back to the portal before it closes for good in this escape room adventure?

Please individually register each person participating.

Talk about birds

The Backyard is for the Birds with the Master Gardeners at the Ceres Library

The Ceres Library will see master gardeners at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, presenting a talk on birds in the backyard 

Need a mood booster? Look outside and watch the birds. Research shows that simply hearing or seeing birds can lift your spirits for up to 8 hours! Join us and discover tips for making your yard a favorite stop for local birds.

Dungeons & Dragonsfor Teens

Teens, are you seeking adventure? Want to slay a dragon or maybe save a town from a horde of goblins? Come play Dungeons & Dragons at the Ceres Library at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9.

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. No experience is necessary. 

Story times

The Ceres Library will offer Story Times at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 10, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. 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 three 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 with their peers.

LEGO Day

The library will host a Ceres LEGO Day at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12. 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 special Read to a Dog program at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 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.

Valentine’s Day Card Printing

Come to the Ceres Library at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 to make a Valentine’s Day card using print making methods. Register by calling 209-537-8938.

Junk Journaling

Need a new and inexpensive hobby? Whether you’ve been doing it for a while or just starting, join the Ceres Library from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 to start your own “junk journal.” Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Twirling Love Bugs

The Valentine’s Day spirit will continue at the Ceres Library at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 when patrons can participate in a twirling love bugs craft. The public can create these little critters with different craft materials and see them twist and twirl in the wind. Register by calling 209-537-8938 as space is limited.

Ceres Game Day

Intended for all ages, Ceres Game Day comes to Ceres at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23. Bring family and friends to play a wide assortment of games, including chess, Jenga, Sorry!, Connect Four and more.

Growing Strawberries talk

Kids, if you like strawberries, join the Ceres Library at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26 in learning all there is to know about strawberries and how to grow them. The “Beginning Gardening for Kids: Growing Strawberries” class will be presented by Master Gardener Manjeet Dosanjh.

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 events

The Hughson Library will offer Story Times at 10 a.m. today (Feb.3) and at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25. 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 Story Time events will be the 10:30 a.m. Wee Move & Play. Join in for a big playdate at the library following Story Time, featuring toys, books, and music for ages 5 and under. Parental supervision is required. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Hughson library will host a special Valentine themed LEGO Day from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5. Children will have the opportunity to build LEGO creations using the library’s LEGO and Duplo blocks and will be encouraged to design a bouquet of flowers, a box of candy, a restaurant, or whatever creation you can imagine. 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.

Bingo

Bingo will be offered at the Hughson Library at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Join for a free and fun afternoon of BINGO for all ages.

Bracelet Bonanza

Hughson Library will allow patrons to discover making bracelets. Relax and enjoy the creative fun of crafting jewelry for yourself or others at the event set for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Paint with Diamonds

Join in the fun new hobby of “painting” by numbers with crystals. Bring your friends and make a beautiful piece of art at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Space and supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Talk about birds

The UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County will talk about backyard birds at the Hughson Library 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21. Need a mood booster? Look outside and watch the birds. Research shows that simply hearing or seeing birds can lift your spirits for up to eight hours. Discover tips for making any backyard a favorite stop for local birds.

‘Paint and Play’

A “Paint and Play” session for persons of all ages and skill levels can relax, create and explore their artistic sides at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Hughson Library.

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).

Virtual Book Club for Adults: A Spark of Light

The Virtual Book Club for adults will hold a discussion after reading A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The library has a limited number of copies available for checkout. See your local branch to reserve your copy or call 209-558-7814.

All county library branches will be closed on Feb. 16 for President’s Day.