October 12, 2019 - Free educational and entertaining activities for all ages and interests continue at the Mariposa Library throughout the fall, including weekly story time on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 A.M., computer classes and tutoring, family movies on the third Wednesday of the month (Wednesday, October 16 - Secret Life of Pets 2), crafts and other makerspace workshops and genealogy research group meetings.   

This Thursday, October 17 at 3:00 P.M. kids aged six and older can take the Mystery Bag Engineering Challenge. Everyone will be given a bag with “mystery” supplies and an engineering task to complete, such as a car that moves or a bridge that holds weight. The only skills needed are an active imagination.

On Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 A.M., Daniel Silguero, who was part of the award-winning robotics team from Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, will teach a Coding with the Robot workshop for anyone aged nine and older, including adults, using the Library’s NAO robot, STAX. The new name was chosen from many entered in a contest earlier this year. It was the entry of Marley Gediman of El Portal, who said she thought long and hard about a name that was related to a library.

Also on Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 P.M., anyone with a Kindle who would like to share user information or learn more about how to use the device can join the Kindle Users Group facilitated by Library staff member Cheryl Johnson.

Local crafter Nancy Francis will return on Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 A.M. with her popular Crazy for Crafts makerspace program. Her workshops are held on the last Saturday of the month. This month, participants will get creative painting gourds. All materials are provided. Anyone aged 16 and older is welcome to attend.

In the afternoon of Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 P.M. the Genealogy Research Group facilitated by Cheryl Johnson will meet to discuss various aspects of the subject. Both beginners and more experienced amateur genealogists are invited to take part in the discussion and bring their questions.

Halloween comes to the Library on Wednesday, October 30 with a party for preschoolers during story time. Little ones are encouraged to dress in costume for the festivities, which will include stories, snacks and other seasonal fun.

Rounding out the month are computer classes for Apple users on Thursday, October 31 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 P.M. Classes for PC owners will resume in January.

A new service for those in need of computer help will be offered on Tuesday afternoons from 12:00 noon to 2:00 P.M. Staff from Red Tail Ridge Technical Services will be available to answer specific questions during that time. Individuals will be limited to a ½ hour time period. Anyone who wants to take advantage of this free service must call for an appointment in advance.

One-to-one tutoring for adults aged 16 and older not enrolled in school is also available for individuals who would like to improve reading, writing, math and English language skills or get help preparing for a high school equivalency or other test.

Preregistration is required for all programs other than movies, story time, and Kindle or genealogy group meetings. Register in person at the Library, call (209) 966-2140 or email karen.dusek@mariposalibrary.org.  

Source: Mariposa County Library