FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

Holiday Break Story Ideas @ Your Library

FORT MYERS, Fla., December 19, 2002 –

The Lee County Library System has several fun programs for children and teens during this holiday break, as well as an exciting line up of new programs next year that adults will want to register for now. We even have gift ideas for older adults and if you’re giving or receiving a computer this year, don’t miss our free computer classes for beginners and experts.

Children’s programs

Friday, December 20 at 3:00 p.m.  Hear the story of The Nutcracker, accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Then draw and color pictures of the story. Registration requested.

Saturday, December 21   Make and decorate gingerbread houses at the Pine Island Public Library  (11:00 a.m.- noon for children ages 3 - 5 with caregiver. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. for children ages 6 and up) REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Monday, December 30, 3:00-4:00 p.m.  Harry Potter Trivia games and more at the North Fort Myers Public Library (ages 6 and up) Registration Requested.

Friday, January 3, 10:30 a.m. – noon. HOGWARTS Open House -Harry Potter activities, contests, games, and fun galore. Costumes may be worn. East County Regional Library   REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please call the library at 461-7300 to reserve your space.

Saturday, January 4 - Drop in between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  Make & Take Crafts. For school age children. South County Regional Library Registration requested.

Teen program  (For middle and high school teens)

Thursday, January 2 at 7 p.m. Teen Café:  A Puzzling Library Scavenger Hunt. Find the missing pieces, be the first team to solve the puzzles and win prizes.  Refreshments will be served. South County Regional Library 

Interview Ideas - System-wide programs starting in January!

Fair Housing   - Kids can learn how these issues affect families and neighborhoods. They can also create art that may be used as part of a fair housing program.

American Cinema  - A facilitated viewing and discussion series for adults, featuring a behind the scenes look at the milestones and makings of the motion picture industry.

International Celebrations - Music, Dancing, Storytelling and much more! Celebrating Haitian and Caribbean, Latino, German, Chinese and Greek cultures. The Rutenberg Branch Libray and each Regional Library are hosting one of these celebrations.

Redirecting Children’s Behavior – A free workshop series for parents.

Holiday ideas-

The Lee County Library System’s Talking Books Library has compiled an extensive catalogue of assistive devices for older adults and people who have low vision, hearing loss or other physical limitations. These include practical tools to use every day, as well as adapted games. These can all be checked out free of charge. If you try something and would like to buy one of your own, we can provide a list of companies to contact.

If you're giving or receiving a computer this holiday, don't miss our computer classes, with sessions for the absolute beginner, as well as those who want to take their computer skills to the next level. Individual computer coaching is also available.

All programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call Telephone Reference at (239) 479-4636 (479-INFO) Media Inquiries contact Heather O’Connell.