January’s roster of activities at East County Regional Library offers topics for all ages. The following activities are free to the public:

ADULTS

Book Discussion: Truddi Chase’s “When Rabbit Howls”

3:30 p.m. Monday, January 9

We’ll discuss the bizarre life of those afflicted with schizophrenia or multiple personality syndrome brought on by physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The East County Book Discussion Group is open to all.

Chess Anyone?

4 p.m. Mondays, January 9, 23, 30

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 Friends of the East County Regional Library.

English Caf

6 p.m. Mondays, January 9, 23, 30

10 a.m. Fridays, January 13, 20, 27

Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.

Poetry Room

6 p.m. Tuesday, January 10

Poetry Lovers Unite! Join other like-minded people to talk about poetry and share what it means to you. Bring your favorite poem and listen to the poetry of others in a friendly, receptive environment. Registration is required.

Fitness On the Go

January 17 January 31

Available during normal library operating hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 9 a.m. 8 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. 5 p.m.

“Fitness on the Go” is a multi generational initiative to help you get healthy and discover our library resources. Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get fit? The library is here to help! Pick up a “Fitness Log” and fill in 20 spots (10 fitness activities + 10 library resources) by February 11 to be entered into a prize drawing.

Whole Lot of Shaking Goin’ On: Music of the 40s, 50s & 60s

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 17.Dave Kilbride returns for another delightful musical experience. Listen to his lively guitar and sing along to tunes from the 40s, 50, and 60s. Sit back, relax and remember the good times. Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. Registration is required.

FAMILY

Family Storytime

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31

This program is for the whole family and lasts about 30 minutes.

Toddler Storytime

10 a.m. Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 25

10 a.m. Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26

Children 2 years old and their caregivers participate in song, fingerplays and short stories. The success of this age group depends on adult participation and encouragement. Toddler storytime lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Baby-Parent Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21

10:30 a.m. Monday, January 23

Be prepared to tickle, jump and fly with your baby! These rhymes and songs are for infants, up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. This 20-minute program is filled with songs designed to introduce rhyming and movement to infants.

KIDS

It’s a New Year!

2 p.m. Saturday, January 7

The Year of the Dragon is coming! Have fun learning how the Chinese celebrate New Year and make a dragon craft.

Preschool Storytime

10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 25

10:30 a.m. Thursdays, January 12, 19, 26

Preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) attend this storytime independently while parents or caregivers wait nearby in the library building. This storytime includes activities that require more participation and a longer attention span. Each preschool storytime lasts about 30 minutes.

Kids Read Down Fines

4:30 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 11

3 4 p.m. Saturday, January 28

Children and teens can earn a $2 coupon for every 15 minutes of reading during the allotted time in the designated area of the library. For ages 18 and younger. Coupons may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only. Registration is required.

Fitness On the Go

January 17 January 31

Available during normal library operating hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 9 a.m. 8 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. 5 p.m.

“Fitness on the Go” is a multi generational initiative to help you get healthy and discover our library resources. Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get fit? The library is here to help! Pick up a “Fitness Log” and fill in 20 spots (10 fitness activities + 10 library resources) by February 11 to be entered into a prize drawing.

Books ‘n Bricks

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 25

Listen to a story and then use our supply of interlocking bricks and your imagination to bring its theme to life. Photos of your creations will be put on display for all to enjoy! Registration is required.

TEENS

East County Anime Club

4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 3

Join a group of teens with an interest in Anime, Manga and other aspects of Japanese culture. Snacks provided by the Friends of the East County Regional Library.

Registration required.

Chess Anyone?

4 p.m. Mondays, January 9, 23, 30

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 Friends of the East County Regional Library.

Wii Play Wii Dance

4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 10

Visit the East County Regional Library and play your favorite Wii games. The game choice will vary from program to program. Sponsored by the Friends of the East County Regional Library. For grades 6 and up.

Fitness On the Go

January 17 January 31

Available during normal library operating hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 9 a.m. 8 p.m.; Thursday: 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“Fitness on the Go” is a multi generational initiative to help you get healthy and discover our library resources. Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get fit? The library is here to help! Pick up a “Fitness Log” and fill in 20 spots (10 fitness activities + 10 library resources) by February 11 to be entered into a prize drawing.

Pizza and Books!

3 p.m. Wednesday, January 18

Stop by the East County Regional Library with a favorite book, or one that you have recently read. Share what you liked, or disliked, with others. For grades 6 and up. Pizza provided by the Friend’s of the East County Regional Library. Registration is required.

Kids Read Down Fines

4:30 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 11

3 4 p.m. Saturday, January 28

Children and teens can earn a $2 coupon for every 15 minutes of reading during the allotted time in the designated area of the library. For ages 18 and younger. Coupons may be applied to cards issued to patrons age 18 and under only. Registration is required.

The East County Regional Library is located at 881 Gunnery Road in Lehigh Acres. For more information about a program or to register, call the library at (239) 533-4200. A sign language interpreter is available with five business days notice to library staff. Assistive listening system available; request at desk.

Check the Lee County Library System’s Web site at www.lee-county.com/library, or pick up an events calendar on your next visit, 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.