A plethora of free summer activities await children at the Turlock Branch of the Stanislaus County Library – and other Turlock-area libraries.

The summer children’s program kicks off this Saturday with a magic show starring nationally renowned magician Timothy James, who has performed for a host of corporations like Ford, Chevron and the Oakland Athletics. The shows are at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. James will also perform at the Denair Library at 3:00 p.m.

Future children’s activities this summer include “Craft-A-Palooza,” a day of play, and Python Ron, who will delight and engage children’s curiosity with his collection of lizards, snakes and bugs. (See schedule below)

Children can also participate in the summer reading program. Children age 0 to 8 who read or are read to 20 minutes a day can receive a prize every seven days. Kids age 9 to12 receive a prize for every three hours of reading, and teens age 13 to 18 can be entered into a drawing to win a NOOK HD for completing a bingo reading card challenge. They can also receive gift certificates for tasty treats.

Regional Children’s Librarian at Turlock Library Kelly Ferrini expects to see a sharp increase in the amount of young readers in the library.

“We’ve been busier already. Summer events are very well attended. These activities give kids something to do and give them the chance to keep learning over the summer. It encourages them to come into the library, pick up a book, and see all that we have to offer,” she said.

For those wiling to travel a short distance the Denair Library will have sand painting, wiggle-eye drawings and a day of play, as well as Python Ron for children’s activities.

The Denair Library will also hold beginner yoga lessons for all ages via instructor Pam Young at 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays in June and July.

The Keyes Library will hold a 4th of July Wreath Craft day at 3 p.m. on July 1 for children ages 4 to 12.

Turlock Library
550 Minaret Ave
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 664-8100

Magician Timothy James
Saturday, June 29
11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12
Magician Timothy James will delight the audience with his magical performance that engages the imagination and encourages children to explore new concepts and sleight of hand tricks.

CRAFT-A-PALOOZA!
Monday, July 8
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12
Children can choose from a variety of crafts and take a craft home to make later! Craft programs give children the opportunity to interact with their peers and practice hand and eye coordination skills.

Duct Tape Craft
Monday, July 15
3:00 p.m.
Teens can use duct tape to make creative items! Books will also be displayed and available for checkout.

Python Ron
Thursday, July 25
11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12
Python Ron McGee will delight the audience with his favorite lizards, snakes, and bugs! This is an excellent opportunity for children to learn about members of the reptile kingdom.

Day of Play
Saturday, August 10
10:30 a.m.
Ages: 4-12
Join the library for crafts, games, and activities that encourage children to not only be physically active, but to also engage their minds through reading.

Denair Library
4801 Kersey Road
Denair, CA 95316
209-634-1283

Magician Timothy James
Saturday, June 29
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12

Sand Painting
Wednesday, July 10
1:00 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12
Children can create their own work of art using sand! Craft programs give children the opportunity to interact with their peers and practice hand and eye coordination skills.

Day of Play
Wednesday, July 17
1:00 p.m.
Ages: 4-12

Python Ron
Thursday, July 25
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12

Wiggly Eye Drawings
Wednesday, July 31
3:30 p.m.
Ages: 4-12
Children can make a cute picture with wiggly eyes! Craft programs give children the opportunity to interact with their peers and practice hand and eye coordination skills.

Keyes Library
4420 Maud Avenue
Keyes, CA 95328
664-8006

4th of July Wreath Craft
Monday, July 1
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 4 -12
Children can make a fun Independence Day craft! Craft programs give children the opportunity to interact with their peers and practice hand and eye coordination skills.

Day of Play
Monday, July 8
3:00 p.m.
Ages: 4-12

Python Ron
Monday, July 15
10:30 a.m.
Ages: 4 -12