Next month’s roster of activities at Cape Coral Lee County Public Library offers topics for all ages.

The following activities are free to the public:

Adult Programs

Book Discussion: “The Violin Conspiracy” by Brendan Slocumb

11 a.m., Wednesday, May 1

Ray McMillian loves playing the violin more than anything, and nothing will stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician. When he makes the startling discovery that his great-grandfather’s fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, his star begins to rise. Then with the international Tchaikovsky Competition-the Olympics of classical music-fast approaching, his prized family heirloom is stolen.

English Café

10 a.m., Fridays, May 3, 10, 17, 24

6 p.m., Tuesdays, May 7, 14, 21

Free, informal conversation sessions for adult ESOL/ESL students.

The Fighting Baileys: Florida’s Black Military Experience

6 p.m., Tuesday, May 7

During World War II and the Korean War, seven brothers from a black Punta Gorda family served overseas. Yet, the family received no acclaim for over 50 years for their exploits. From a high-flying Tuskegee airman to a grunt in the Red Ball Express, the Bailey brothers’ struggles speak to the hidden and ongoing struggle to accord black Americans their place in the military. Presented by James Abraham, a former journalist who now edits and publishes books and is a popular writing coach, critic and lecturer. Registration is required.

—

Military Appreciation Month programs accompany “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” opening at the Cape Coral Lee County Public Library Sept. 14.

“Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and Florida Humanities. Support for the local exhibition and programming was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Spanish Conversation Club

2 p.m., Wednesday, May 8

Improve your Spanish fluency by chatting with other adults. Join us as we practice speaking with others on a variety of topics, including current events and everyday situations. Intermediate to advanced Spanish-speaking skills are recommended in order to get the most out of the session. Registration is required.

Download Drop-In

11 a.m., Thursdays, May 9, 23

Receive personalized help downloading e-books, movies, music and more from Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla, two of Lee County Library System’s largest online content providers. Bring your fully charged digital device for this hands-on help session. Note: Please bring any passwords you may need for downloading apps. Kindle users will also need an Amazon account and their password for accessing it.

Crafts at Cape: Watercolour

10 a.m., Thursday, May 9

10 a.m., Saturday, May 18

Join us as we explore layering watercolours to create mountain ranges or oceans depths. Registration is required. Each class has a maximum seating of 20. Participants may only register for one class in the series. Registration is guaranteed until the start of the watercolour program.

Beyond the Homefront: The Untold Stories of World War II Heroes

2 p.m., Tuesday, May 14

Renowned author Charley Valera, known for “My Father’s War: Memories from Our Honored WWII Soldiers,” delves into the long untold stories of World War II veterans. Drawing inspiration from his father, a World War II veteran who seldom discussed the war, Valera embarked on interviews with other veterans. Join him as he shares captivating photos and firsthand narratives spanning both theaters and all branches of World War II, complemented by an exclusive four-minute film trailer. Registration is required.

Military Intelligence in Early U.S. History

2 p.m., Tuesday, May 16

Cloak-and-dagger is the second oldest profession. It began with war itself. This presentation by retired special agent and law enforcement executive Thomas Eastwood examines the role of military intelligence in U.S. history during the American Revolution and the Civil War. It explores spies you know and some you don’t. Registration is required.

Children’s Programs

Baby Rhyme Time

10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 8, 15

For babies up to 18 months. Babies and caregivers wiggle and giggle in a supportive environment. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk.

Family Storytime

10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 2, 9, 16

For children through age 5 years and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

Family Build It

4 p.m., Thursday, May 2

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. All materials are provided.

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, May 4

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 15

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card and check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

Mother’s Day Storytime

10:30 a.m., Monday, May 6

For ages 3-5 years. Celebrate mothers and mother figures at this special Mother’s Day Storytime. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

Preschool Storytime

10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, May 7, 14

For ages 3-5 years. Children attend this program independently while parents and caregivers wait nearby. Space is limited. Please arrive early and pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk.

Out of This World Storytime

10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11

Join us for a storytime with books, rhymes and music all about space. For children through age 5 years and a caregiver. Space is limited. Please pick up a ticket at the Youth Desk. First come, first served.

STEAM Club

4 p.m., Thursday, May 23

Be ready for fun experiments and projects as we explore the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). This program is intended for ages 5-11. Dress for mess. Registration is required and is guaranteed until the start of the program. All materials provided.

Family Movie Afternoon

2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 30

Families are invited to join us for a movie and a themed craft. The film is rated PG. Snacks will be provided.

Teen Programs

Family Build It

4 p.m., Thursday, May 2

For all ages. Drop in for building challenges the whole family will enjoy. No registration required. All materials are provided.

Kids Read Down Fines

1-2 p.m., Saturday, May 4

5:15-6:15 p.m., Wednesday, May 15

Children and teens can earn a $2 credit on overdue fines for every 15 minutes they read in the designated area for a total of $8 in one session. Please bring your library card and check in at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

The Fighting Baileys: Florida’s Black Military Experience

6 p.m., Tuesday, May 7

During World War II and the Korean War, seven brothers from a black Punta Gorda family served overseas. Yet, the family received no acclaim for over 50 years for their exploits. From a high-flying Tuskegee airman to a grunt in the Red Ball Express, the Bailey brothers’ struggles speak to the hidden and ongoing struggle to accord black Americans their place in the military. Presented by James Abraham, a former journalist who now edits and publishes books and is a popular writing coach, critic and lecturer. Registration is required.

Teen Thursdays

4 p.m., Thursday, May 9

Hangout, tinker around, and geek out with something new each month. This month, we will build obstacle courses and play with spheros. All supplies and snacks are provided while they last. This program is intended for attendees ages 11-18 years to attend independently. Please speak with staff if caregiver assistance is needed.

Military Intelligence in Early U.S. History

2 p.m., Tuesday, May 16

Cloak-and-dagger is the second oldest profession. It began with war itself. This presentation by retired special agent and law enforcement executive Thomas Eastwood examines the role of military intelligence in U.S. history during the American Revolution and the Civil War. It explores spies you know and some you don’t. Registration is required.

Family Movie Afternoon

2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 30

Families are invited to join us for a movie and a themed craft. The film is rated PG. Snacks will be provided.

The Cape Coral Lee County Public Library is at 921 S.W. 39th Terrace in Cape Coral. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4500. Check the Lee County Library System’s website 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.

To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter HERE.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lee County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs or activities. To request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a reasonable modification to participate, contact Joan LaGuardia, 239-533-2314, Florida Relay Service 711, or jlaguardia@leegov.com. Accommodation will be provided at no cost to the requestor. Requests should be made at least five business days in advance.

Source: Lee County Government