January library events in Ceres and Hughson will help readers of all ages start the new year with fun activities aimed at encouraging literacy and community connection.
LEGO Day
The library will host a Ceres LEGO Day at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8. 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, Jan. 10 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.
Citrus tree talk
The UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County will talk about growing citrus trees at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12. Citrus trees are the most popular fruit trees grown in California. Participants will learn the best time to plant and prune, how to manage pests, and other tips to help you successfully grow your own delicious fruit.
Ceres Dungeons & Dragons for 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, Jan. 12.
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, Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27. 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.
Friends meeting set
The Friends of the Ceres Library group will meet at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The Friends of the Ceres Library promote the welfare and growth of the Ceres Library. If you’d like to join or learn more, all are welcome to attend.
Turtle craft
A craft session called “Turtle in a Shell” will be offered in Ceres at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15. Participants will cut, glue, and decorate using paper, markers, and Styrofoam bowls to make this special reptile.
Fun Frog Facts
Beginning Gardening for Kids will present “Fun Frog Facts” at the Ceres Library at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. Participants will learn what we can do to invite frogs to our backyard gardens. Hop into this program and learn about what makes frogs special and what kind of environments they like the most.
Ceres Game Day
Intended for all ages, Ceres Game Day comes to Ceres at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26. Bring family and friends to play a wide assortment of games, including chess, Jenga, Sorry!, Connect Four and more.
STEAM
A STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) event will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29 to make math art with graph paper. Graph paper is usually intended for math, but for this craft, tiny square grids will be used to make symmetrical or pixel-style art.
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 (Jan.7) and at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and Jan. 28. 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 LEGO Day from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8. 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.
A rock painting session will take place at the Hughson Library at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Come relax, get creative, and take home a masterpiece. Space and supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The UCCE Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County will talk about growing citrus trees at the Hughson Library 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. Learn the best time to plant and prune, how to manage pests, and other tips to help you successfully grow your own delicious fruit.
At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Hughson Library will offer Cherry Blossom Lanterns. Explore basic engineering skills and learn paper-folding techniques as you discover how to construct a lantern out of paper. Add a tea light to make it festive. Space and supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hughson also hosts “Let’s. Get. MESSY!” at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27 whereby kids can dive into the squishy, colorful, and scientific world of slime and cloud dough! Space and supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All county library branches will be closed on Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
