TrendingBookstoGoogle

Publisher’s top picks

What Should Darla Do?

8 Stories in 1. Darla is a young and spunky astronaut-in-training. She wants to go to Mars one day, just like her favorite doll, Astronautica. But, to do so, she ll need to practice using her Power to Choose wisely.

Dad and the Recycling-Bin Roller Coaster

A loving dad goes a little over-the-top as he tries to DIY the best day ever for his kids in this funny, tender, vibrantly illustrated picture book from the viral video star behind Dude Dad.

Hello, My Name Is Ruby

Join Ruby, a plucky little bird, as she ventures through life, making new friends, learning new skills and asking questions which may have some very surprising results.

The Library Fish

In this sweet and adventurous picture book, an unusually literary fish leaves the safety of her bowl to explore her library home for the first time.

Mon - 1

Anime Club

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral

Monday, May 1 • 4:30 p.m.

For teens and tweens interested in anime, manga, Japanese culture and other pop culture genres. Watch anime with friends and make themed crafts. For ages 11-18. No registration required. All supplies provided. 239-479-4636

Chess Anyone?

East County Regional Library

881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

Mondays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 • 2 p.m.

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. 239-479-4636

Screen-Free Week Kickoff

Northwest Regional Library

519 Chiquita Blvd. N., Cape Coral

May 1 & 2 • 2 p.m.

It's Screen-Free Week. Pretend like it is 1985 and play games that don't require technology. For ages 12-18. 239-479-4636

Spring Fling

The Golisano Children’s Museum

15080 Livingston Rd, Naples

Monday, May 1 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Springtime crafts, games, educational activities, face painting, miniature petting zoo, bubble dance party, parent-and-child yoga sessions and more. No registration needed to attend. www.cmon.org

Tue - 2

PAWS to Read with K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs

Bonita Springs Public Library

10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs

Tuesday, May 2 • 6 p.m.

Come read with a four-legged friend from K9 Caring Angels. Dogs are the perfect reading companions because they create a relaxed, comfortable and safe environment for sharing books. For ages 5-11. Visit the children's desk at the start time to pick up a ticket to hold your spot in line. Children will receive a 10-minute reading spot with the dogs. Additional reading time may be available depending on demand. 239-479-4636

Library Teen Talk

East County Regional Library

881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16 • 2 p.m. High school teens are invited to the library for a weekly discussion about current events, everyday life, library resources and more. Teens will be encouraged to post an answer to a weekly question while socializing and making new friends. 239-479-4636

Wed - 3

Preschool Wednesdays - Amazing Alligators!

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers

Wednesday, May 3 • 10 a.m.

How long can an alligator hold its breath? What do alligators eat? Come learn all about alligators and their habits. This program includes a story, craft, & live animal encounter. Ages 3-5. 239-275-3435

May Things to do

Thu -

Lego Club

4

Cape Coral Lee County Public Library

921 S.W. 39th Terrace, Cape Coral

Thursday, May 4 • 4 p.m.

Join us for a short story and brick-building activities. Lego bricks provided for use during this program. 239-479-4636

2023 High School Musical Awards

Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall

13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers

Thursday, May 4 • 7 p.m.

The events celebrate local high school actors, orchestras and their musical productions Seating is first come, first serve. www.bbmannpah.com

Fri - 5

Family Play and Social Hour

Bonita Springs Public Library

10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs

Fridays, May 5, 19 • 10:30 a.m.

Meet other parents and caregivers during this social hour program for families that supports early literacy development through free play with other children, toys and music. For children through age 5 and caregivers. 239-479-4636

Annual Student Showcase exhibit

Center for Visual Arts, Main Gallery

26100 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs

May 5-11

Opening Reception & Scholarship Awards, May 5, 6-8 p.m. 239-495-8989

Puzzles Galore

Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library

3095 Blount St., Fort Myers

Friday, May 5 • 10:30 a.m.

Put your mind to work and join the fun by challenging yourself with a puzzle. For ages 3-5. 239-479-4636

Sat - 6

Glow BINGO Party

Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Public Library

3095 Blount St., Fort Myers

Saturday, May 6 • 2 p.m.

Join this high energy, glow-in-the-dark version of BINGO with mini games, prizes and a ton of fun. 239-479-4636

Kids Fishing Event

Bass Pro Shops

10040 Gulf Center Dr, Fort Myers

Saturday, May 6 • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Come out to Bass Pro Shops the first Saturday of every month and fish on the back lake (catch and release)! Earn your First Fish Award if this is your first time fishing with us! 239-461-7800

Storytime

Barnes & Noble Marketplace SC

13751 Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers

Saturday, May 6 • 11 a.m.

Join us as we read stories to your little ones! 239-437-0654

In-Store Kids Workshops - Flower Planter

Home Depot - Local Home Depot locations

Saturday, May 6 • 9 a.m. to noon

Time to pull out your apron! Kids Workshops are back in-store. Join us on the first Saturday of every month for this fun, free event. HomeDepot.com/Workshops.

Nature Explorers: Gators!

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

3450 Ortiz Avenue, Fort Myers

Saturday, May 6 • 9 a.m.

Lean all about alligators, their habitats, and what they eat! Our programs are designed to take place almost entirely outside, where children will have lots of fresh air and space to spread out!

Ages: 5 - 11. $10. 239-275-3435

STEAM Saturday

North Fort Myers Public Library

2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE, N. Fort Myers

Saturday, May 6 • 1 p.m.

Join us for a family-friendly STEAM exploration. Each month will feature a different activity based on the aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to build, learn and play together. 239-479-4636

Japanese Language and Culture

Fort Myers Regional Library

2450 First St., Fort Myers

Saturday, May 6 • 2 p.m.

For ages 14 & up. Learn fun facts about Japanese culture & language from translator Ian Verhine. Registration is required. 239-479-4636

STEAM Storytime

East County Regional Library

881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres

Saturday, May 6 • 1 p.m.

Children ages 5-11 are invited to join us for a story and activity based on the aspects of STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. This is a great opportunity for parents and kids to learn and get creative together. 239-479-4636